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The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ Loranna's RP: Evening Star Parade

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 1 2005, 07:09 PM

Loranna's intro:

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 15 http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41440&st=0

Posted by: Anghardel67 Jan 1 2005, 07:27 PM

Two breaks, 3 annoying guild guides, and 312 gold pieces later, Azrael found himself standing, a tad disgruntled at the time it had taken him to arrive, in the hall of the Vivec Guild of Mages. In the time it had taken him to arrive at this destination--much longer than it might have, if he had run into friendlier guides and not had to disguise himself behind a rather musky cloak--he had formulated a small bit of dialogue he was prepared to use in his discussion with Briaata', if the situation demanded it. He had nearly forgotten his banishment from the guild, as he strode, quite casually, through the large, decorative hall, towards Briaata's old room, reserved for the guild head.

As he neared the door, a strange thought popped into his head--he had not seen a single man or mer in this hall, save for the guide herself. . .the Dunmer pressed an ashen ear against the door he was now planted next to, but heard nothing. "Strange," he thought, as he turned the brass handle, "Briaata' always spoke with herself when alone."

He would soon realize that Briaata was not in her room, that, in fact, she was not even in this canton, for in her chair sat a small, agitated looking Nord--a child, no more than a handful of years old--writing on his shirt with a small quill pen. The round, glowing eyes moved from the feather, to Azrael, and back again.

"Who are you?" came a squeaky voice, "What's your name?"

"A bit presumptuous of you to think I'd give a child my name," Azrael replied, "Where is Briaata'?"

The child's face perked up at the mention of the Khajiit's name, "You know Briaata?", he asked, with an enthusiastic smile. "She went to the Temple Canton a while ago, and told me to wait here," suddenly the child's face turned sour--"She should have been back by now. . ."

Azrael listened to this child for a while longer, before deciding he would take a chance, and roam the cantons, looking for her. "Child, How long ago did she leave for the Temple?", he asked, and the child replied, quickly, "I don't know, but it was a long time ago. . .can you go find her for me? Please?".

The dunmer would be more than happy to get away from this child; he felt that a rather annoying bought of words would be exchanged if he did not. "Yes, young Nord, I'll go find her. Just. . .wait here, would you?"

Ang

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 1 2005, 07:28 PM

OOC:

Allerleirauh, a tall, slender, white haired woman who calls herself a Nord, after defying Loranna and calling on the Dunmer to reject Azura twice - the second time in response to Arynel's clever trick with his sword - has accepted for the moment that the Dunmer wish to worship both Azura and Vivec. She is trying to discover who is pulling the strings behind the scenes. After making a brief trip home, she is seated with Loranna, awaiting the return of the mysterious assassin.

Doll, the Akaviri maiden, wearing a netch leather helmet that hides her face, with Loranna's group at Ghostgate, has been putting her own plans into effect, so far succeeding in irritating some very important people. She has covered her tracks carefully, however. Or rather, she has gone where no tracks can be left.

Tris, the handsome Breton, is with Ciel in the House of Dibella in Cyrodiil City, preparing to leave town as quickly as possible to avoid the influx of people hoping to see the Emperor speak his New Life address. As soon as Ciel has completed his arrangements for traveling incognito, they'll be on their way to Morrowind.

Mirea, the redheaded Bosmer girl, has been sent to spy for Allerleirauh.

Skein, a mature Imperial woman, the seer of Solunastra, had an interesting conversation with Arynel last thread. She sent a letter to him by way of Allerleirauh. She remains at the Void Ranger guildhouse in Daggerfall, along with Dragon, an older Nord man, who is Allie's second in command. Dragon's current goal is to find out more about Bosriel, the Void Vampire.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 1 2005, 07:38 PM

OOC: Dagoth Lich is currently skulking about the crowd somewhere, putting his semi-fractured mind back together piece by piece.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 1 2005, 08:01 PM

Summary:
The last time Nalion was seen was as he reappeared at Ghostgate. He had paid Sadrith Mora a visit and sent two letters to Reynel Uvirith, his master at the Fortress Tel Uvirith, one was a report on the recent events in Morrowind concerning the "Incarnate" Loranna, the other was his official resignment of his duties as a Retainer of House Telvanni.
After that, Reynel Uvirith had expelled him from the Great House and spread the word to all Telvanni holdings...

Ghostgate:
Nalion had stood in awe on a slope of the Foyada near Ghostgate and watched the confrontation between Arynel and Loranna from above. What Arynel had revealed about the last Hogithum was stunning. Of course, Nalion had heard rumours, but rumours are not knowledge.

QUOTE

Choose now who you will follow - the faithful shall know the strength and wisdom of Azura, and the unrightous the wrath of the devout.

"Very well, I have made my choice." Nalion thought, his eyes turning to Loranna. "But there are things to be done first."

Aloud, he said "The first step I have made, the easy one. There are harder steps to take from now on."
Then, he turned and walked away, at a continuous pace, past the crowd and past the newly built "Temple of Azura". He ignored all looks his companions might give him and walked to the east, always east...

Old Life wanes,
New Life comes,
Between the years,
Bridges must be torn,
Chains must be broken,
Burdens must be lifted.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 1 2005, 08:09 PM

Summary:

Erenius has become quite angry at the Redorans for their actions, especially after the comment that he would try to keep his House from it all. He was also ready to step in during the entire conflict between Arynel and Loranna, especially after Allerleirauh's comments. However, he restrained himself, knowing that yet another voice in that would merely bring more chaos, and not a reasonable ending to it all.

The Imperial was also dealing with other issues, such as the occasional idiot using his carts as sleeping quarteres, or trying to deal with the issues pertaining to the donations.

Posted by: Tholer_Saryoni Jan 1 2005, 08:18 PM

And now let come the Travail of the Temple

Vivec, Puzzle Canal
In the cold deep the sound of marching boots can be heard, the ugly ruidoso picks up, until it is near. Fifteen Ordinators have come, they stream in to apprehend the party that has chosen to appear.

"Weapons down, fetchers!" The lead officer, resemblent in a silvery helm shouts, "By order of the Tribunal Temple, those malefactors by the names of 'Shardie' and 'Marandus' are to be arrested forthwith for high treason against Morrowind. There is no hope for escape, diffusion of magicka has been cast, scores of Ordinators wait outside, and your names are labeled as wanted in every tavern. Hopefully now you will learn the Temple is not a waning power."

Ghostgate
The winds that have remained on the mountain throw dust, which will then still settle. The dangling question can be heard throughout.

"We serve Vivec, but bear malice towards no others. Our orders are to take Loranna into a safe place, Vivec"

"- but Vivec has been compromised!"

"Then we shall stay here," Maltne says, "Let the gracious Armigers serve Vivec still, no matter who is the god."

Posted by: stratigo Jan 1 2005, 08:23 PM

OOC: Zaldaar was pretty much sneaking around getting things ready for something or other. Now he's back at ghostgate hanging around watching things.

IC: Zaldaar sat back and watched events unfold. It was getting interesting. But he'd have to step in if anything got too close to harming Loranna. He didn't see that happening any time soon though.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 1 2005, 08:28 PM

OOC: Arynel vowed to help fix whatever he thought was wrong with the world, and to do this he fashioned a new artifact which he used to show the Dunmer what happened at the trial. The sword also had the effect of pointing out who Loranna was, essentially holding up a lantern for the wheel to see.

The Breton recently used an invisibility spell to sneak away from the group, claimed that he had done his part and was now free from his oath, and passed out in the ash on the trail to Red Mountain.

Posted by: niceguy5 Jan 1 2005, 08:34 PM

Summary - Dane is still inside the Tower of Dawn, sitting in a deserted bar.

Dane could hear the whole confrontation outside with his wolf-like ears. Dane sat on the stoll alone, since everyone was outside, watching the arugement between the two.

"Dane would you like some more mazte?"

"Oh sure" He said to himself. The Drunk pleased himself as he chugged the whole jug.

Dane collasped from the stoll, passed out.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 1 2005, 08:47 PM

Loranna was resting. Allerleirauh thought that if she wanted Sen-Yedda to survive, some amount of privacy for her mother would have to be enforced.

She still had Skein's letter to deliver. But where was Arynel? That was the problem with Void Rangers; he could be anywhere. Thanks to his cloak, he could find her. But she couldn't find him unless he wanted to be found.

Well, there was one way.

She whispered a string of power. "Tayem... Payem... Geth."

And suddenly she could see where he must have gone.

The valley was crowded. She took to the air, followed him up the side of the mountain.

It struck her, as he came into sight, how often recently she had seen Arynel lying in a sad little heap, after doing something more heroic than his body was willing to endure. The thought made her jaw clench. She landed at his side, turned him gently face upright.

"Arynel, can you hear me?"

Posted by: Nalion Jan 1 2005, 09:08 PM

Nalions lips were parched as he stumbled along his chosen path east, through the wilderness of the Ashlands and the Red Mountain region. His clothes were ragged, his hair dishevelled. He did not care. Neither he did for the heat, nor for the ash, nor for his thirst, nor for his weariness. The cliffracers that soared the sky above seemed to wait for him to fall and make an easy target. Nalion did not care about them, either. His eyes seemed to gaze inward, to a distant past.

Flashback: Nalions Story
He was the first-born son to Nolan and Relie Leoriane. Nolan was a weaponsmith in a small village on the northern slopes of the Wrothgarian Mountains in High Rock. The nearest city was Shornhelm. He grew up with his by two years younger sister, Cienne, and they were one heart and one soul.
It was fun playing in the neighbours' barn, where the hay was fresh and gave the feeling that summer would last forever. They endlessly chased each other around the villages' well, irritating the merchants that had set up their booths hoping to do business. In winter, they threw balls of snow at each other, quickly hiding away when one went amiss and hit unaware passers-by.
His childhood seemed to last forever.

As he grew older, Nalion became the apprentice to the local medicine man and enchanter, Master Mebestian. He taught him the art of enchanting items, of Mysticism, Alteration and even some destructive spells so he could defend himself in times of need. After months of practicing magic and enchanting he finally managed to successfully enchant his first item, a simple ring of restore health, engraved with his name. He kept this item a long time...

Nalion stumbled over a rock and fell. A cliffracer shrieked over him and swooped down. Heavily leaning on his staff, Nalion got up. He pointed a weak finger at the cliffracer and cast a fireball at it, but the spell sputtered only a bit, then exploded some feet away from him, ineffective. Luckily, the cliffracer was shocked enough by the spell to return to circle over him. The mage continued his walk, heavily breathing...

Posted by: Dracodrakonis Jan 1 2005, 09:16 PM

OOC: The mostly non-interactive Mysterious Figure is still watching from the In-Between (aka Void). At least Two people have caught his interest and he is watching them closely..... He is also busy scopeing out a new location seeing the the Void is becomeing rather busy of late.

For RP purposes I created a new ID, Draak (another frequently used handle of mine)....... not that I RP a lot, just read them.

Carry On

Posted by: Arynel Jan 1 2005, 09:32 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 1 2005, 12:37 PM)

"Arynel, can you hear me?"

If you follow a trail of smoke, you'll most certainly find where a fire once was. Tis the way of things, if you follow a river you will invariably find either it's source or it's end, depending on which way you travel.

And so the name was uttered, and so the eyes were opened, as each thing brings about another in turn. And as the eyes were opened so the Breton came into understanding, and as the Breton came into understanding he saw the silver haired Nord standing over him, and as the Breton saw the silver haired Nord his body and mined snapped into full fledged wakefullness.

"How are you, Allerleirauh?" Arynel asked.

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Jan 1 2005, 09:34 PM

Bounding down the beaten by-way, brings a bandy-legged Khajiit. His brown fur eternally ruffled like a drying towel. A storyteller, maybe. "Hosts of dunmer, indeed!" Lining the copse and the boulevards, old friends. Among the ashen hills he finds the mass of folks searching for religious nirvana, which happens to be in the center.

"Hello, my dear Loranna. What have you gotten yourself into? No matter, it'll all be alright, I fear." He looked around, with a smile brimming on his face. "I seem to recall something about a prize...for something. We can discuss that later, though I have come to offer my allegiance, such as it is. I do not concern myself with great gods and kings, but people. Today it is you. What can I do? Well, I can tell a joke, write a story, or kill an ogrim. Either way, Oblivion calls, and I can hear it's strident tone.

Let's skip a few, ninety-nine. I think we have to do something."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 1 2005, 09:36 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 1 2005, 02:22 PM)

She smiled. "I am well, now that I see you awake. I have your sword; you should be more careful with where you leave it."

She sat down with him, in the ash, and offered it to him.

"And I have a letter from Skein. Which I'm not sure I plan to give you, for you'll end up as crazy as Solin if she's not careful. And before you lose your temper, I didn't read it - I wrote it. She dictated it in one of her mantic fits. I asked her if her prophetic powers said I should really give it to you, and she said, how should I know?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 1 2005, 09:40 PM

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna had been thanking what lucky stars still looked over her that the 'miracle' at the shrine of Pride hadn't caused any death or true serious harm that she could see. She had some irritated words with Arynel - which, later, she regretted, still not bearing the Breton any hatred even despite his works against her - and an enlightening yet frustrating conversation with Aricyn, in which she was encouraged to not worry about those things she could not understand.

Then, people started turning Ghostgate into a Temple for Azura, and Allie incited a riot, causing Loranna to finally say 'harsh' words to a woman with whom she never thought she'd ever let herself get cross. Scorned by Allie, and unwilling to use her powers to bend peoples' minds to her own desires of peace, Loranna watched helplessly as the brief riot raged - and was warned by Azura to either fulfill her destiny or else be destroyed by it. Hope died in Loranna's heart and she meekly agreed ...

Still, she could not totally bring herself to embrace that which she knew now was not wholly right; as Lord Dres Gaor proudly showed to her the new 'renovations' in Ghostgate and spoke of building a Temple to Azura in Vivec itself, she tried to demur, to at least suggest people wait a bit before rushing into such a project. She could not bring herself to say the idea was going too far, nor that the renovations to Ghostgate were belittling honest heroism shown by others under Vehk's godhood; Azura's words rang in her ears.

When Allie returned, showing up and saying she was still planning on safeguarding Loranna's life, the ash-skinned girl felt more bitterness than she ever wanted to taste in her mouth, along with a sinking realization of how trapped she was. Despite wooden protests, Loranna quickly accepted Allie's presence by her side again, knowing that at the very least she could rely on Allie's determination to protect Sen-Yedda, and the bitterness faded to a hollow sadness at the sound of Allie's haunting voice, lulling Sen-Yedda with a lullaby.

Trying to lose herself in her 'duties' as Incarnate, Loranna spoke to the crowds and answered questions, recieved gifts, and offered advice, listening to Allie read Vivec's Sermons to the baby at her side and wishing she could devote some attention to Dagoth. A brief appearance from the assasin that had slain her 'double' caused Allie and the crowd to stir, though Loranna seemed curiously calm, commenting later that the baby had 'quick reflexes'.

Then, Arynel came back, bearing the gift of a sword and bowing his head to her. Remembering her earlier unhappy words with the Breton and thinking this a chance to show she bore him no true hard feelings, she smiled and accepted his gift ... and found herself suddenly having to defend against a decrying voice once more, as images of the end of the Trial shone for all to see. Trying to argue for Azura's case, Loranna soon lost her voice, as the fallen Daedra Prince, having had enough of Loranna's acceptance of enemies into her graces, spoke up herself, telling people that the Tribunal had passed, that they had committed crimes and stole their godhood, and that the Daedra were here to stay, and calling for people to choose their sides.

As Loranna watched from within herself, warning Dagoth to stay out of danger and fearful that she had just unleashed bloodshed once more, the crowd made their decision - and while some chose one or the other, many chose to embrace both Vivec and Azura, and also their daughter, Sen-Yedda, as the promise of their bright future. Her eyes moist and her voice once more hers, Loranna hailed the Dunmer people, hope once again returning to her that maybe, somehow, this could end without further catastrophe ...

Posted by: Loranna Jan 1 2005, 09:49 PM

QUOTE(El_Ahrairah @ Jan 1 2005, 03:24 PM)

The crowds were still gathered around Loranna, though their attentions seemed for now more focused on the promise of the bright future that swelled her belly than her herself.

Loranna blinks as she hears a voice she hadn't heard in ... months? Lifetimes? " ... El Ahrairah?" she asks after a moment, staring at the Khaijiit.

" ... Dear, it's truly great to see you're still well and as cheerful as ever," Loranna says, a soft smile coming to her face, which fades quickly as she adds " ... But loyalty ... you ... might wish to ask people what has transpired here, before you offer that so readily. Though ... a story would be nice, something one would tell a baby at her bedside perhaps ..."

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Jan 1 2005, 10:00 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 03:39 PM)

" ... Dear, it's truly great to see you're still well and as cheerful as ever," Loranna says, a soft smile coming to her face, which fades quickly as she adds " ... But loyalty ... you ... might wish to ask people what has transpired here, before you offer that so readily. Though ... a story would be nice, something one would tell a baby at her bedside perhaps ..."

"Right you are, I have been asleep for some time.

I remember his father, the kind who had never a childhood. Though concordantly a future master must also learn mercy and various gentle arts." El-Ahrairah sat down next to Loranna at this moment, then lay down, looking at the blue sky.

"little Bunny Foo Foo,
Hopping through the forest
Scooping up the field mice
And boppin' 'em on the head

Down came the good fairy and she said

"Little Bunny Foo Foo,
I don't want to see you
Scooping up the field mice
And boppin' 'em on the head.
I'll give you three chances,
And if you don't behave
I'll turn you into a goon!"

The next day:

Little Bunny Foo Foo,
Hopping through the forest
Scooping up the field mice
And boppin' 'em on the head

Down came the good fairy and she said

"Little Bunny Foo Foo,
I don't want to see you
Scooping up the field mice
And boppin' 'em on the head.
I'll give you two more chances,
And if you don't behave
I'll turn you into a goon!"

The next day:

Little Bunny Foo Foo,
Hopping through the forest
Scooping up the field mice
And boppin' 'em on the head

Down came the good fairy and she said

"Little Bunny Foo Foo,
I don't want to see you
Scooping up the field mice
And boppin' 'em on the head.
I'll give you one more chance,
And if you don't behave
I'll turn you into a goon!"

The next day:

Little Bunny Foo Foo,
Hopping through the forest
Scooping up the field mice
And boppin' 'em on the head

Down came the good fairy and she said

"Little Bunny Foo Foo,
I don't want to see you
Scooping up the field mice
And boppin' 'em on the head.
I gave you three chances
And you didn't behave
Now you're a goon! POOF!!"

The moral of the story is:
HARE TODAY, GOON TOMORROW"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 1 2005, 10:05 PM

QUOTE(El_Ahrairah @ Jan 1 2005, 03:50 PM)

Many burning red eyes look at the Khaijiit storyteller with expressions that suggest they don't quite get it ...

Loranna listens, and smiles, saying " ... Heh ... I think she liked it."

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Jan 1 2005, 10:08 PM

"Hey," El-Ahrairah says, looking at the countless angry Dunmer, "C'moooon."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 1 2005, 10:11 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 1 2005, 01:26 PM)

"My sword?" Arynel began. "It has served it's prupose..."

The Breton paused, lifting himself off of the ground.

"A letter? What does it say?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 1 2005, 10:15 PM

QUOTE(El_Ahrairah @ Jan 1 2005, 03:58 PM)

"Hey," El-Ahrairah says, looking at the countless angry Dunmer, "C'moooon."

"Crazy Khaijiit ..." mutters one raspy voice.

"The Incarnate seems to like him ..." opines another.

"Hmph; not a very good sign if you ask me; Vivec ..." starts to reply a third.

"Vivec told crazy stories too; remember the mystic jokes he told the first Armigers?" cuts in a fourth.

"Still say this one's on the sugar ..." retorts the first.

"They're all on the sugar ..." says a very learned fifth, nodding sagely.

Loranna hides a grimace and looks at El, saying " ... Er, we're not in Cyrodiil anymore dear ... speaking of which, where has your path taken you since Tales and Tallows?"

Posted by: Aki Jan 1 2005, 10:15 PM

Sumary:
Reichi has hung around Ghostgate some more. Sparred some with Issa Yojimbo. Fought a mysterious nord with a mohawk and flame whip and paid of guards for said fight.

Stupid gaurds.

Dar'Var, is still sleeping in the gate of the ghostgate, between the safety of the porticuli (porticulises?)

Tarenen, meanwhile made a small alliance with some men who shared the flame-whip nord's tatoos.
--------------------------------------------------------
Vivec, Puzzle Canal

A Black cat watched the Ordinators with Curiosity as the marched into the puzzle canal. It's tail flicked back and forth and it waited. As Cats often do, for mice to leave their holes.
Ghostgate

Reichi chuckled at the story. He got it, but suspected most of the other dunmer didn't because they didn't know what a bunny was. Though, mice they might. Then again, Vvardenfell's rats were the size of cats.

Dar'Var awoke and looked around. He was hungry, he activated the porticulis and stepped out of the gate, then headed inside the tower of Dusk.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 1 2005, 10:16 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 1 2005, 03:01 PM)

"My sword?" Arynel began. "It has served it's prupose..."

The Breton paused, lifting himself off of the ground.

"A letter? What does it say?"

Allerleirauh glanced at the slip of paper as she handed it to him, then flushed.

"This is not what I wrote," she said. "Skein is playing games with me..."

It said,

It is customary, after seizing the sword, to obtain a reward, frequently characterized as a sacred marriage...

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 1 2005, 10:20 PM

*Erenius sat there on an outcropping near the shrine on the volcano, looking upon the crowds below, enjoying the fact they were moving about without much thought or care in the world*

"But they should know better," Erenius mumbles. "Just because ignorance is bliss is no reason to stay ignorant."

*He then toys with an empty soulgem he had in his pack and idly tosses it to the shrine, his offerring to it, despite knowing fully it would bring nothing upon him of use, and likely the same to the others before him that did such many times in the past since its erection long ago*

"May whatever blessing this shrine beside he brings, be brought upon them all below," he mutters, almost feeling the blessing that was coming towards him stop and change directions before dispersing over the crowds.

*Erenius smiles at those below, contented about what he has done, yet frustrated at much more...the Redorans, the Imperials, the various factions certainly amongst the party trying to foil Loranna and her plans, all of it*

"All of them deserve none of my sympathies for now...despite having helped them previously," Erenius says aloud.

*He then looks out an easily spots Loranna from the crowd, and he sits there, watching as the Khajiit bard speaks to her of some tale*

"Probably something about how he lost his skooma then found it when he sat on it a week later..." Erenius muses, still tired that everyone insisted on not dealing with things and instead beating the bush, hoping to scare it away instead of confronting it and showing its head to others. "And everyone, even I, are at fault for doing that...."

*And so it was that Erenius continues to sit there, watching the crowds below mill about, ignorant of events even he is unsure of*

Posted by: Arynel Jan 1 2005, 10:26 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 1 2005, 02:06 PM)

Arynel stared dumbfounded at the letter, after which the Breton shook his head and crumbled up the paper, stuffing it into his pocket. His cheeks glowed with a hint of red, and a miniscule smile flashed for a brief moment on his face.

"I don't suppose you have anything else for me?"

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Jan 1 2005, 10:35 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 04:05 PM)

Loranna hides a grimace and looks at El, saying " ... Er, we're not in Cyrodiil anymore dear ... speaking of which, where has your path taken you since Tales and Tallows?"

Well, Nelacar and I took a vacation down in the south, where the Tropical Elves are. After that, he chose to isolate himself, become a hermit, and continue Gleb's Necromancy research. So I went back home, and found it was overrun by a pack of orcs. At that point, I realized the mundus was nothing but a spinning stage. And I went to sleep. I woke up again and smelt the scent of inevitability and knew you were up to something. Dynamic, come action!

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 1 2005, 10:37 PM

[About 2 days ago]
*Azure slept for most of his trip, but found himself atop a silt-strider crossing teh Ashlands when he awoke*

"Where are we going?" he asks the driver as the Dunmer plays the insect's organs to direct its movements.

"The majority of us inland caravaners have decided to set up temporary routes to Ghostgate..." he replies.

"Ghostgate?" Azure mumbles, barely audible. "So thats where Erenius must be...and through him, the rest..."

[Several hours ago]
*Azure promptly fell asleep again, finding himself awake over by a cave in an ashen waste, dazed and confused*

"Where am I now?" he asks as he wakes and sees a Breton and Altmer standing atop him.

"You, sir," the Altmer says. "You are in the Molag Amur region, but a few short kilometers from Ghostgate..."

"Thank you," Azure responds as he turns to the Breton. "What happened?"

"The Strider got attacked and you fell from it, I cast a slowfall upon you, and you survived due to that, and the Altmer's healing abilites," he replies, giving Azure a few potions, food, and a change of clothes as well as a bedroll and blanket. "Take these things and go to your destination.

[Now, Ghostgate]

*Azure walked into the camp, noting the bussle about him as he finds a small area, about 8 feet by 9 feet or so where he unrolls his bed, sets his blanket, makes a fire for cooking etc, and sets his belongings*

*Azure then wanders the camp, noting several faces, but not placing a name to any of them, but searching for the Breton Mage he remembers he helped a good while ago*

Posted by: Loranna Jan 1 2005, 10:38 PM

QUOTE(El_Ahrairah @ Jan 1 2005, 04:25 PM)

" ... I see ..." Loranna says, wondering herself if El may not be on the sugar after all - then again, there were times when she felt she had, essentially, cast herself for a part she didn't understand in a play she hadn't read before, so ...

" ... So Nelecar is doing all right then?" she asks, thinking back to the mer she had - briefly - thought was going to be her boyfriend, who had allowed Sheogorath into himself so that Azura may have someone to take her to the ball ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 1 2005, 10:48 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 1 2005, 03:16 PM)

"No. Except... well played. Very well played."

After Skein's letter, she felt too shy to reach out and stroke his hair.

"It makes me angry that you get hurt," she said. "Someone else should get hurt, someone who's not trying to do the right thing. That's what Solunastra means, for me. It's the place where the heroic people go to not get hurt."

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Jan 1 2005, 11:20 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 04:28 PM)

" ... So Nelecar is doing all right then?" she asks, thinking back to the mer she had - briefly - thought was going to be her boyfriend, who had allowed Sheogorath into himself so that Azura may have someone to take her to the ball ...

I don't know, he's gone for now. I'm sure had he known of these events, he would have come. I might take a rest now, since a moratorium on events seems to be in effect.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 1 2005, 11:23 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 03:28 PM)

Thinking back to the mer she had - briefly - thought was going to be her boyfriend, who had allowed Sheogorath into himself so that Azura may have someone to take her to the ball ...

'Erh...... I am not even gonna mention to her that she practically shouted that thought in her head........'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 1 2005, 11:29 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 1 2005, 05:13 PM)

'Erh...... I am not even gonna mention to her that she practically shouted that thought in her head........'

I'm sorry, love, Loranna says quietly. ... Sorry for that, for being so stand-offish ...

She sighs. I'm ... worried everyone's going to end up getting hurt in the end because of me, without any promise of things getting better anytime soon after. Though ... maybe, this time, that won't come to pass. I hope so, at least.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 1 2005, 11:32 PM

'It's okay Loranna, I just.... it's not entirely your fault anyone got hurt, it's their fault for trying to stop you, which caused them to hurt themselves. So really, don't blame yourself........ too much.'

Posted by: niceguy5 Jan 1 2005, 11:37 PM

Dane lay on the hard floor for awhile. One of the artisans found Dane on the ground and panic.

“Oh Azura! Are ye ok?” He said as he shook Dane’s body. Dane mumbled something than sat up, roughing up his hair. The Breton sighed and sat down next to Dane.

“You scared me there for awhile” The artist said “Want a drink”

Dane cocked an eyebrow at the Breton “No, no it’s ok” Dane said as he stood up and stumbled out the bar.

The Breton sat in the bar, confused

Posted by: Loranna Jan 1 2005, 11:37 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 1 2005, 05:22 PM)

Loranna sighs. ... It ... doesn't quite work that way, I'm afraid, she says. Though ... some goals we do share.

Cast herself for a part she didn't understand in a play she hadn't read before, Loranna muses to herself once again.

The lines were drawn before I ever showed up, she says to Lich. The sides were chosen, the goals set - I just blundered into the game thinking I was on one side when I really was on the other.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 1 2005, 11:40 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 04:27 PM)

Loranna sighs. ... It ... doesn't quite work that way, I'm afraid, she says. Though ... some goals we do share.

Cast herself for a part she didn't understand in a play she hadn't read before, Loranna muses to herself once again.

The lines were drawn before I ever showed up, she says to Lich. The sides were chosen, the goals set - I just blundered into the game thinking I was on one side when I really was on the other.

Noticing Loranna's...... upsetness, Dagoth figures, 'Hmm..... I guess I am not being very comforting today am I.........?'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 1 2005, 11:43 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 1 2005, 05:30 PM)

Noticing Loranna's...... upsetness, Dagoth figures, 'Hmm..... I guess I am not being very comforting today am I.........?'

Loranna's thoughts smile softly. ... Heh ... it's okay, she tells him. I'm all right and you are comforting me; I just have a lot of things going through my head right now. Arynel's gambit has ... given me a chance to be myself again, at least for a time. I don't know how long it will last, though.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 1 2005, 11:47 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 04:33 PM)

Loranna's words both reassure Dagoth, and cause an extremely small bit of sorrow. 'Ya..... that seemed to work out nicely actually. [The reason Loranna is suffering is because of that devilish creature possessing her. Grr..... I can't believe I once respected that Daedra.]'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 1 2005, 11:53 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 1 2005, 05:37 PM)

Loranna is quiet for a bit, thinking to herself that Arynel probably didn't intend for her to benefit from his ploy - well, not the Nord-Demon anyway. Then again ... who could say? She really didn't understand him sometimes, and wondered if it was because she wasn't truly human or he wasn't - or maybe both.

So it did, for now, she says to Dagoth. ... There's no point in being depressed about this; something good happened here in the end and hopefully it will last. ... I just need to hang on till its over.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 1 2005, 11:58 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 04:43 PM)

'Well, if you need a shoulder to lean on, I'm always here. And always willing to give whatever help I can.' As he says this, his mind begins to wrap around Loranna's without him willing it to.....

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 12:00 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 1 2005, 05:48 PM)

'Well, if you need a shoulder to lean on, I'm always here. And always willing to give whatever help I can.' As he says this, his mind begins to wrap around Loranna's without him willing it to.....

Loranna accepts the mental embrace. For right now ... just, be here for me please. ... And keep your eyes open for potential assasins too.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 2 2005, 12:01 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 04:50 PM)

Loranna accepts the mental embrace. For right now ... just, be here for me please. ... And keep your eyes open for potential assasins too.

'Both things of which, I am completely eager to do.....' Dagoth says, willing his thoughts around Loranna's just a little stronger.

Posted by: Meridia Jan 2 2005, 12:26 AM

QUOTE(Tholer_Saryoni @ Jan 2 2005, 04:08 AM)

And now let come the Travail of the Temple

Vivec, Puzzle Canal
In the cold deep the sound of marching boots can be heard, the ugly ruidoso picks up, until it is near. Fifteen Ordinators have come, they stream in to apprehend the party that has chosen to appear.

"Weapons down, fetchers!" The lead officer, resemblent in a silvery helm shouts, "By order of the Tribunal Temple, those malefactors by the names of 'Shardie' and 'Marandus' are to be arrested forthwith for high treason against Morrowind. There is no hope for escape, diffusion of magicka has been cast, scores of Ordinators wait outside, and your names are labeled as wanted in every tavern. Hopefully now you will learn the Temple is not a waning power."

'Who are you, what are you doing here!' Maranda yelled, as the five Royal Guards with her slowly put down thier weapons, 'if you must know, I act with the Authority of the king...' said Maranda quietly. Shardie kept her sword sheathed and quietly prayed to the Divines... awaiting a responce...

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 12:39 AM

*Erenius was through with his time on the volcano's slope and stood up, still watching those below, but now mainly concentrated on joining them*

"Despite my wishes, I too must rejoin the group," Erenius says.

"You can leave the group once, but you'll always return," was what Azure had once said as they parted ways in Black Light almost two months ago.

"Well, I can't stay here forever, and even if I could, I got a duty to those below," Erenius says as he repacks his bag and goes down the hill, leaving a second soulgem, larger than his previous donation, at the shrine.

*He makes his way down the hill rather easily before finding himself at Ghostgate's abandoned and degraded portcullis*

"I'll have to speak with someone about having that thing removed now its defunct, and the levers don't work," Erenius muses as he cycles the switch for the outer gate several times, noting that it wasn't even staying in place and instead falling down to the gate's "up" position.

*Erenius then picks his way through the camp back to his site, where he planned on staying for a while until he could sort things in his head*

Posted by: Tholer_Saryoni Jan 2 2005, 12:42 AM

QUOTE(Meridia @ Jan 1 2005, 06:16 PM)

"Indeed," the officer stated, cooly, "Your guards will be replaced to the Mourning-Hold, posthaste. But the authority of the King is nothing here, we hope you realize. In fact, the whelp is hated by most Dunmer, so your position is lessened in our eyes. You will both now drop your weapons immediately, or suffer our extreme prejudice."

Posted by: Meridia Jan 2 2005, 12:50 AM

QUOTE(Tholer_Saryoni @ Jan 2 2005, 08:32 AM)

Maranda, having no weapons on her, simply raised her hands... she was not confident that she could deal with this many guards, Shardie unsheathed her sword and threw it to the ground... Krazzt still had the Moon Riever at the time, so it was safe,
'Very well, then, I would rather not shed blood in this sacred shrine, I believe that you would not like to ether... I shall go with you, guard, however, how come I am placed with these false treason charges, whilst a meddlesome Nord roams the countryside, declaring the overthrow of the Empire, King and Temple, defiling temple sites and the such, is free to roam...' She gave up talking at that point, realising she should had taken Daidez's advice, there were, after all, plenty of abandoned caves she could have used...

Posted by: Aki Jan 2 2005, 01:04 AM

Vivec, Puzzle Canal
Its recon of the situation over the Black Cat scurries off towards the St.Delyn canton.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 2 2005, 01:10 AM

Arynel turned to Allerleirauh.

"So," the Breton said, "What next? Which road do we take from here?"

He looked to the silver haired Nord, and awaited her answer.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 01:23 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 1 2005, 06:00 PM)

Arynel turned to Allerleirauh.

"So," the Breton said, "What next? Which road do we take from here?"

He looked to the silver haired Nord, and awaited her answer.

"Somehow I don't think you're asking if I'm going to rejoin Loranna," Allerleirauh said.

"You did well, better than I did. It's not much but it's something. It gives me hope that this is not entirely a lost cause. Don't be too quick to lay your sword down; that's a gift that bears repeating. I see light now, just little flickers, but enough to tell me which way to steer.

"I think I've been foolish. You can't take from the Dunmer all their comfort and give them nothing in return. We need to give them something, and not just clever words they can't understand. I don't know what yet. Maybe someone else will know.

"And I want to talk to Aricyn; find out why he thinks the fate of mankind rests on his shoulders. I mistook him for an adventurer; he's a zealot, which I didn't expect. I want to know what his cause is."

And I want to see you smile again, without a care in the world, she thought. But that wasn't likely to happen.

"Right now, I say we return to Loranna. There's an interesting bit of business going on - the funds for the temple have been stolen. Aricyn's looking for them."

Posted by: Tholer_Saryoni Jan 2 2005, 01:29 AM

"Verily. In accordance with edict #347-12 you will be taken to the Ministry of Truth, for interrogation" The Ordinator states.

They move in swiftly and confiscate the weapons, binding the two convicts' hands. Black hoods are placed over the two, and they are led away, through tunnels, pavements, and the air itself. As their feet meet solid ground again, a raspy voice chuckles, "Welcome to the Ministry of Truth,"

Once again, the two are guided through dank and damp tunnels. Their ears can hear the dripping and dropping of water, which never discontinues. Ever so often a distant scream can be heard, it fades slowly, like a slow moving sailboat, through an uncertain mist. Finally, after the cranking and opening of a rusted door, they're hoods are lifted. An earthen room is revealed, it assumes an office, but only because a simple desk and chairs rest in the middle of the rock. A Dunmer stands off in the corner, his back turned, looking out the window. The sound of a cranking and closing. Now he turns around. The Dunmer is a magisterial old mer, one who seemed to have been strong in youth. But now his face appears careworn, a deepset frown ever apparent.

"I am the Archcanon, if you do not comply to my satisfaction you will remain here. First, I will, ask, do you know why you are here?

Posted by: Aki Jan 2 2005, 01:34 AM

Vivec, Temple Canton Area
As if triggered by the imprisonment of Maranda and shardie, a shimmer floated towards the Ministry of Truth, the form of a man only barely visible through the spell. The form set down on the walk way and attempted to open the door.

It was locked of course. But that didn't deter the figure. The lock twisted as if crush by some unseen force and the door swung ajar. The figure became a shadow and slid into the the Ministry of truth.

Posted by: Meridia Jan 2 2005, 01:37 AM

QUOTE(Tholer_Saryoni @ Jan 2 2005, 09:19 AM)

A Dunmer stands off in the corner, his back turned, looking out the window. The sound of a cranking and closing. Now he turns around. The Dunmer is a magisterial old mer, one who seemed to have been strong in youth. But now his face appears careworn, a deepset frown ever apparent.

"I am the Archcanon, if you do not comply to my satisfaction you will remain here. First, I will, ask, do you know why you are here?

'I am hear because you wish to worship the false incarnate other than your true gods... I tried to stop this incarnate, and the destructive path that she decided to follow, and that went against your doctorine... at least that is why I think I am here, correct me if I am wrong... do not harm Shardie, she has no part in this, she is just a mercenary that I hired in Ald'ruhn...' Maranda finished looking plesantly at the Archcannon...

Posted by: Arynel Jan 2 2005, 01:52 AM

Arynel listened to Allerleirauh speak, and stood silently for a time.

"There is a road." The Breton began. "Shrouded in darkness, a path yet veiled, and thread yet coiled on the spool. I know not where it goes, I know not the secrets that have yet to be revealed. Perhaps it is best that way, there was a time when I did not care, a time when I found joy in not knowing, a time that was golden. Perhaps someday I will walk that road again. But for now, where do I go?"

Posted by: Tholer_Saryoni Jan 2 2005, 01:57 AM

QUOTE(Meridia @ Jan 1 2005, 07:27 PM)

"Do you presume to tell me which Gods are true and which are false? We worship Almsivi! They carried us through an enlightened and golden age, where we had nothing to fear but our own faults. Now comes the next Incarnate, where the perfect dynasty shall continue! The Dunmer people, think of them, who will live happiness.

You are here because you have comitted treason. You lied to our brethren, in pursuit of your black goals. Yes, our spies tell of your arcane rituals. And now we find you mucking about in the Puzzle Canal, of all holy places! You must now understand that the Temple will no longer hear your deceit and subterfuge. Those you used have atoned, although your own webs will now be wrapped about you.

The temple supports Loranna, no mattter what two n'wah may say."

A sound of quick footsteps can be heard outside the room, drawing closer. Suddenly a great yell and a clash of metal is heard.

"Very well, you may leave now. But remember, the power of the Temple is greatly stronger than what was required to bring you here."

With an quiet mutter Saryoni disappeares.

Posted by: Meridia Jan 2 2005, 02:07 AM

Maranda sat quietly, and said to herself, 'Perhaps all is lost...' She stood, and left the floating rock... she would have to rebase herself now... Yes, the Moon Riever was safe with Krazzt, but her old base of operations was now out of order... She decided to rebase herself at Castle Ebonheart, and try and get in contact with the King... She knew not what the Legions thought of Loranna and the incarnate, but Vivec was no longer safe... 'He-who-hunts-elves' met them at the Temple Canton, fresh with news from Ghostgate...
'Go, Elvie, and tell our allies of this incident... make sure the king hears about this... I shall hear your report of what transpired at Ghostgate later... We shall make base at Ebonheart now... Shardie, let us go...' Shardie used a scroll of Divine Intervention, whilst Maranda cast the spell... some how, she thought, this would not be her last encounter with Tholer Saryoni...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 02:09 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 1 2005, 06:42 PM)

Allerleirauh looked at him for a long moment.

"Gold is a soft metal," she said. "True gold, like the gold my mother gave me, is not. Perhaps it's hardened like iron in fire. You can never walk the road of unknowing again. But you can find joy.

"I don't know where my own road leads," she said, and here she lowered her eyes. "But I know that I treasure your company. I have no hope of saving Loranna from her folly; but I can, perhaps, save the child of one I loved. Sen-Yedda hears me, when I speak to her in the womb. If the Dunmer must worship something, let it be one worthy of worship, the Princess Starlight who my people's legends say was promised to the Dunmer long ago. I see no helpful angels appearing to teach her in the womb; let us go to her and do what we can.

"Also," she said, "I miss your singing."

She offered him her hand.

Posted by: Aki Jan 2 2005, 02:30 AM

QUOTE(Meridia @ Jan 1 2005, 07:57 PM)

'Go, Elvie, and tell our allies of this incident... make sure the king hears about this... I shall hear your report of what transpired at Ghostgate later... We shall make base at Ebonheart now... Shardie, let us go...' Shardie used a scroll of Divine Intervention, whilst Maranda cast the spell... some how, she thought, this would not be her last encounter with Tholer Saryoni...

A black shape fell from the Ministry of truth and landed without noise. Tarenen's head apeared from within the black cloak. "No need to waste your time, i already know. The tatooed men however, do not." He stated, before walking off calmly.

From the ministry of truth drops of blood fell in a regular intervals from the eyesockets of a ordinator's helm. The helm was crushed as if the Ordinatar's head had been stepped on by The Numidium. Blood seeped out of it where it could. Dripping to the temple canton below.

As Tarenen walked off, he flashed a wicked smile. "Weak, this this Temple is.."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 2 2005, 02:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 1 2005, 05:59 PM)

"I would like to sing again, soon." Arynel said to Allerleirauh. "For now though, I have no words."

The Breton took her hand.

"Let us go where the road takes us, where your feet trod, so mine will go after."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 03:07 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 1 2005, 07:23 PM)

The two of them walked down the mountain together. There were many Ashlanders encamped on the side of the mountain; Allerleirauh remembered a time when they had called her Hearthfriend. Now they looked at her through slitted eyes.

Work on the Temple continued apace. Allerleirauh looked at the wall rising above her and daydreamed of defacing it when the people had moved on, with a big fat particolored painting of Vivec, floating with his legs crossed.

They rejoined Loranna.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 03:15 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 1 2005, 08:57 PM)

Those around Loranna looked at Allie and Arynel with looks similar to those the Ashlanders had just offered, and several eyes flicker to Loranna, to see what the Incanrnate Mother had to say.

Loranna, meanwhile, blinks at the sight of Arynel at Allie's side, and thinks to herself that she's not up to being the villianess to Arynel's hero right now. She girds her mental loins for whatever the two have planned, resigning herself to being swept up in whatever maelstrom was about to hit her. At least, this time, she can try to keep her own voice throughout, though she doubted few would find any inspiration in what she'd probably say.

" ... Yes? What is it?" she asks, looking more to Allie than to Arynel ...

Posted by: Arynel Jan 2 2005, 03:16 AM

Arynel walked away from the group, not far away, but seperate from the others.

With a wave of his arms, the Breton summoned up a lute, and began to sing:

Every stream flows on towards an ocean
Every thread is pulled from a spool
Every tree is seed born and dirt fed
Every path is a letter told by fools ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 03:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 08:05 PM)

"More singing," Allerleirauh said, smiling, and listening to Arynel. "And more Sermons. And more of whatever else I can think of. Hopefully no more attacks by assassins."

Posted by: Anghardel67 Jan 2 2005, 03:35 AM

"Yes, that's right. She's a Khajiit, her name is Briaata'. She's the head of the Mages Guild branch over in the Foreign Quarter. Have you seen her, she was supposed to be around here?"

Azrael had asked every single guard he came upon this same question; not just every guard, but ever man, woman, mer, and child. His search for this friend spanned outside of the Temple Canton, and into the Redoran, then the Hlaalu, Telvanni, before rounding out again in the Foreign Quarter. Where had that Khajiit gotten off to? Azrael wondered--vivec was large, but not that large, and he was an adept tracker. . .he should have seen her by now, it should have happened.

As the evening crept closer, the sun setting, throwing a glowing, orange tone upon the watter, accented by smats of a dark purple hue near the edges, two Dunmer feet found themselves pacing, rythmically, the Temple underworks. The Ashen figure had lost all sense of time outside of his little world now--his search would not end until he had found this guild leader; he had, from former encounters, found her to be a khajiit of her word. . .If she said she was in Vivec, then she was in Vivec. But then, why had nobody seen her? Why, even in the Temple, the place where she had specifically placed herself, were there no sighting of a Cathay-Rhat dressed in blue? This began to seem more troublesome than it should have. Azrael felt he might waste his entire life searching for his fuzzy friend.

And then, sloshing his way through the water under the Temple, in the sewers, he noticed the water changing color--turning from a murky, disgusting mix of brown and green, to having yet a third shade; a dark, thick, red. . .

Ang

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 03:38 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 1 2005, 09:10 PM)

"More singing," Allerleirauh said, smiling, and listening to Arynel. "And more Sermons. And more of whatever else I can think of. Hopefully no more attacks by assassins."

Loranna starts feeling like a yo-yo, but she pushes the sensation aisde, closing her eyes and rubbing her temples a little. Azura was still quiet, for now - wether this was because Arynel's actions had castigated her into quiesence, because she was simply content to let things go as they may from here on, or because she was planning and possibly preparing her next move, Loranna herself didn't know. Azura was not likely to tell her anytime soon unless it was a passing comment as she took control once more.

"Hopefully no more attacks, yes ..." Loranna nods, coaxing a rueful smile onto her face. " ... The two of you have combined your voices to chastise me earlier; maybe now ... you could join them to sing to Sen-Yedda? If that's all right to ask ..."

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 03:52 AM

*Erenius had wanderred about the camp aimlessly somewhat when he finally decided to take a good look at the new towers*

"Best start at dawn and work to dusk," he muses as he enters the eastern tower.

*He looked about the place, amazed at the work that had been completed, and the work still going on*

"I am simply amazed at what has been done," he says aloud as he walks up the ramp then down it to where the two towers met at the bottom. "Simply beautiful."

Posted by: Anghardel67 Jan 2 2005, 03:53 AM

"Some rivers run high, some rivers run low, when your river runs red. . ."

Turning a corner in the sewers, watching as the red hue of the water thickened, Azrael looked up. Ahead of him, no more than 6 feet, perhaps even less, lay a rat carcass--rather large, even for these sewers. The water churned slightly with the moving of his feet, as the inquisitive dunmer walked forward just a bit. The body was nearly unidenfitiable, all exposed meat, save for a small patch of hair near what was only a foot to the imagination; Azrael supposed that other rats were to blame, but sewer rats were known as verocious little beasts, and it would have taken a group of fairly large creatures to do this so quickly, given the size of the putrid hunk of flesh left behind-- as any reasonable man or mer might have deduced from the fresh blood, still pulsing from gashes in the muscle. It was a sickening feeling, looking this rat over--physically sickening, perhaps, but more mentally repulsive. The small blade at Azrael's side unsheathed, and he continued on. . .

Ang

Posted by: Arynel Jan 2 2005, 04:03 AM

With a wave of the Breton's arms, Arynel's lute vanished.

He quietly approached Solin.

"Hello, friend, how does the path treat you?" He said with a smile. "I have not spoken with you for quite some time, and I would like to know your say in all of this, if you have words for it. Tell me, if you are able, what wisdom do you have for the path we now walk?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 04:19 AM

Update

Bosriel and Leseth are in the Void, searching for the identity of the spy who tricked Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, into falling into the trap she now finds herself in.

Lord Dres Gaor has ordered half his crops to be sent to Ghostgate to support the temple there, and the other half to Vivec to support the pilgrims when they voyage there. His knights guarding these supplies have just arrived in Vivec.

Elysana, the Queen of Wayrest, has been captured by her hated stepbrother, Helseth, King of Morrowind. She is in a cell in the Hlaalu Canton, and thus we begin –

QUOTE

Vivec City*
The cell door opened revealing Elysana sitting on a dirty bench. Two Her Hand Ordinators entered, taking positions either side of the door. Helseth stepped into the Cell with a slight grin on his face.

"I'm glad to see you arrived in one piece Elysana. I hope your trip wasn't as uncomfortable as it looked."

Elysana blinked at the sudden light, and then smiled sweetly at the King.

‘The trip has been most entertaining and enjoyable so far, stepbrother. I thank you for these beauteous accomendations. Your trip must have been rough, though. It looks like your ears have fallen off.’

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 04:53 AM

Ghostgate

‘My Goddess,’ said Lord Dres Gaor, approaching Loranna, and bowing low. ‘My crops will be arriving here in two days time, and I’ve received word that half have already arrived in Ebonheart, where they are being stored. I thought it better to keep them there, where they can be easily guarded by my knights, than in Vivec itself. Will you be leaving for Vivec shortly, or will you be continuing your business in Ghostgate for a few days more? ... If it is my place to ask, I merely want to know so I can arrange for storage in Ebonheart ...’

Posted by: Anghardel67 Jan 2 2005, 05:16 AM

There is only so much stench any nose can take before it contemplates removing itself from the face of it's owner; Azrael's nose was nearing this point. Though he saw no other carcasses, as he waded through the hip-deep muck, the smell of the waste in this particular part of the sewers was enough to knock a lesser mer out cold--the ashen face began to turn a light shade of green, undistinguishable against a mildy brown, molded background, and Azrael was forced to sheath his dagger, lest he drop it in an attempt to cover his mouth.

Ang

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 05:25 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 1 2005, 10:43 PM)

Loranna looks over to Lord Dres Gaor, and says " ... My Lord; please, rise ..."

She gets a thoughtful look on her face, and says " ... I think our time here at Ghostgate has reached its end; we'll let people get some rest from their current endeavors and begin our journey to Vivec come the upcoming day. Hmm ... given our size, I think our most practical route will be back down the foyada, through Fort Moonmoth and onward to Peligaid, before turning toward Vivec. We should have some supplies sent to Peligaid to meet us en route."

Allie hears Loranna ask her ... I know you've been thinking Sen-Yedda's safety depends on keeping me sheltered; would having a small group of us escort me via a different, secret route help that goal?

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 05:28 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 10:15 PM)

If it were up to me, I'd skip from Moonmoth over to Balmora and go by Mages' Guild directly to Vivec City, Allerleirauh thought. Unless you have some reason to mistrust the Mages' Guild.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 05:33 AM

Ghostgate

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 11:15 PM)

She gets a thoughtful look on her face, and says " ... I think our time here at Ghostgate has reached its end; we'll let people get some rest from their current endeavors and begin our journey to Vivec come the upcoming day. Hmm ... given our size, I think our most practical route will be back down the foyada, through Fort Moonmoth and onward to Peligaid, before turning toward Vivec. We should have some supplies sent to Peligaid to meet us en route."

Lord Dres Gaor frowned. “That is a route heavy with Imperial presence, my Queen. I do not doubt your wisdom, but they are allied with the King, who bears my lady no good will. It will be difficult to find a place to store the supplies near Pelegiad, but I will find a way, this I swear.”

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 05:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 1 2005, 11:18 PM)

If it were up to me, I'd skip from Moonmoth over to Balmora and go by Mages' Guild directly to Vivec City, Allerleirauh thought. Unless you have some reason to mistrust the Mages' Guild.

Loranna replies Well, Azreal said that there's a divide in the Guild now, and I've yet to hear if the faction against me has weakened at all. ... On the other hand, I did walk through Balmora while Helseth's agents scoured the city and was seen only by one soul other than Doll, so that may not be as much of a problem as it sounds.

She sighs quietly. It would be easier than traipsing around on foot again, she adds, a slight wistful note creeping into her voice, though it vanishes quickly.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 05:38 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 1 2005, 11:23 PM)

Ghostgate
Lord Dres Gaor frowned. “That is a route heavy with Imperial presence, my Queen. I do not doubt your wisdom, but they are allied with the King, who bears my lady no good will. It will be difficult to find a place to store the supplies near Pelegiad, but I will find a way, this I swear.”

Loranna smiles sadly to Lord Dres. "I know, my Lord," she says, "but as of now it still remains the most viable route. Sometimes you have to take calculated risks ... and I have faith in your ability to arrange for this."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 05:41 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 1 2005, 10:23 PM)

"Lord Dres, if I may," Allerleirauh said. "There are many routes to the City of Vivec. But if there's another route overland than the one suggested, I don't know it. There's a large crowd that wishes to travel with Loranna, and they can't all fly over the mountains or pay for transport. Did you have another suggestion?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 05:42 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 11:28 PM)

QUOTE

He looked to Allerleirauh with a raised eyebrow. 'I did not think it mattered to you if we were all destroyed by Imperial legions ... Perhaps I misunderstood your words from before, but I thought you wished death on us all.'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 05:48 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 1 2005, 10:32 PM)

"I could not agree more, my Goddess,' said the Dunmer, and paused to think. 'Perhaps, what we need is a distraction closeby, to keep the Imperial legion occupied while we move in ... Perhaps something in Seyda Neen ... Rest assured, you can rely on your obedient servants to get the supplies to Pelegiad.'

He looked to Allerleirauh with a raised eyebrow. 'I did not think it mattered to you if we were all destroyed by Imperial legions ... Perhaps I misunderstood your words from before, but I thought you wished death on us all.'

"No, my lord. Freedom, which is in some ways worse than death. I believe I understand your position; yours is a very old house, older even than the Tribunal. My position is likewise easy to understand. I was Lord Vivec's lover."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 06:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 1 2005, 11:38 PM)

‘I do not know why the Goddess chooses to surround herself with people such as you, who mock the very people who revere Her,’ Lord Dres Gaor said stiffly. ‘Her wisdom is much greater than mine, and sometimes difficult for me to understand. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned. Perhaps it is further proof of her power, that she can lie in a nest of snakes such as you and the impudent Breton and survive. But whatever the reason, I do not see any reason why I must be polite to you.

You, a Nord, presume to lecture my people on freedom, as if slaving for an Imperial puppet of a King and an impotent, absent God would make us free. I put it to you that you are trying to trick us, to make our people weak so your people can try, again, to destroy us. If my Goddess wants me to discuss with you how the worship of Vivec has brought no freedom to the land I love, I will do so for her. If it is my decision, however, I will take my leave and do the work for which I have been charged.’

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 06:06 AM

Loranna coughs a little. " ... We all here are united in one thing at least - we dream of a bright future for us all," she says. "We each have our own visions of what that entails and are as passionate about those visions as any lover, and that is why we have clashed - but in the end, we're hoping for much the same thing."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 06:11 AM

"The wise Loranna," Allerleirauh said, with a slight smile. "And you are correct that Vivec loved the Empire. We will see how well you do without it, soon, perhaps."

She bowed, slightly, and fell silent.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 06:17 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 1 2005, 11:56 PM)

‘Forgive me, my Goddess, for speaking so. You are immortal and can be betrayed time and time again and always rise, but we creatures of Mundus cannot. If you tell me that this Nord’s vision of peace in Morrowind is at all like mine and yours, I will believe you. I will do what you say without question, but I cannot trust someone who so nakedly disdains all that I hold dear, and spits on me and my people.’

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 06:24 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 12:07 AM)

Loranna supresses a sigh, and looks back and forth between Lord Dres and Allie, her ever-shifting eyes for a second seeming to sweep both up in their depths ...

" ... You both look in the past and draw your strength and your insight from that, and thus you clash," she says after a moment. "But, the future you both turn to now is merely born from the past, not beholden to it. Look ahead, and there is room enough for both of what you two hold dear - look to those who raised their voices earlier to Arynel when they said they chose to embrace both Azura and Vivec and Sen-Yedda, and you will see the outline of that future, though even I cannot put into words anything more of it yet."

She closes her eyes and bows her head. "It is there; it is not certain but it is there, and it can encompass both of you, as it can encompass us all."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 06:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 12:14 AM)

She closes her eyes and bows her head. "It is there; it is not certain but it is there, and it can encompass both of you, as it can encompass us all."

“You are benevolence itself, Prince of Dusk and Dawn,” said Lord Dres Gaor with a deep bow. “You can accept offerings of peace from known enemies such as that accursed sword, and smile when you are betrayed yet again. Perhaps I can understand it someday. But today, I must make preparations for your journey. I will, as I said, arrange for something to happen in Seeda Neen to distract the Imperial troops, so the supplies can come to Pelegiad … May I take my leave, Goddess?’

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 06:35 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 12:20 AM)

"Of course, my Lord," Loranna says with a smile. "All I ask is that whatever distraction you come up with merely confound our opponents; even if they don't realize who is obscuring their sight, I'd like them to know the benevolence you have just praised. Again - I have faith in your skill and wisdom in these matters."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 06:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 12:25 AM)

Lord Dres Gaor frowned slightly. Clearly he was originally planning something quite nasty in Seyda Neen to distract the Imperials from Pelegiad … up to and including the complete destruction of the town ... But that wouldn't be considered benevolent.

“Very well, as you wish,” he said. “I will be creative. No one will be harmed.”

With a bow to Loranna and a last suspicious sideways glare at Allerleirauh, the Dres nobleman takes his leave.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 06:50 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 12:36 AM)

Loranna sighs mentally to Allie. The Wise Loranna; could you introduce me to her someday? she asks, her tone half-joking and half-tired. I'd like to ask her how she manages to deal with people and keep them from causing havoc - heck, I might as well ask her to tell me how to avoid causing havoc myself, other than abstienance from the public eye.

Posted by: Solin Jan 2 2005, 07:00 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 1 2005, 07:53 PM)

The dunmer looked up from the bench he sat on. He still wore a smile. Solin gestured for his friend to sit if he would.

"The roads have treated me well," he responded with a placid voice. "Despite the falling of Ghostgate, things have been better than worse of late."

The dark elf reached down a picked up a handful of the dusty earth at his feet. Slowly he watched as it poured out of his palm into the air leaving a cloud of ash drifting in the wind. “Have you ever seen the sun rise from the shore near the sea?” the mer asked as he watched the dirt. “Near my home there is a wooded hillside that gives way to a sandy beach. I would often sit there in the shade and watch as Magnus would cast his cloak in the early morning. Not horribly long ago I walked near the waves and looked out into the sea. The water glistened beautifully in the early morning light. It trailed out over the far depths after the dawn. To either side of the gold and silver impression left by the sun held jagged rocks and the other menaces of the shallow waters.

"What is broken will be fixed," the elf continued. His red eyes burned with fervor as he spoke but his voice remained even. "The inevitable future will point back on the fragmented past and make it whole. The call was answered and what comes for it came. What must be feared now is the loss of focus. Necessary movements need must be under taken.”

Solin paused and looked at the Breton, serious for a moment.

“If not for these people then perhaps all people, lest they be drown in corruption. What more would you have?”

Posted by: Arynel Jan 2 2005, 07:06 AM

Arynel sat next to Solin, and sat quietly absorbing the Dunmer's words, nodding every now and then. The Breton sat silently for a time after the last word had passed, and given way to silence.

"I think," Arynel began, breaking the silence, "I would have them stand up, lift themselves up out of the dirt, and look towards the sky. The stars are magnificent, if you stop and look up at them."

Posted by: Solin Jan 2 2005, 07:17 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 1 2005, 10:56 PM)

Solin returned the silence for a lingering moment.

"I have often wondered if there was a better place to observe the stars than from the dirt," Solin said after the moment had fled, "A grand dream. I would like to see it done, at least for a moment."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 07:20 AM

Ghostgate

Lord Dres Gaor walked through camp. whispering with one of his knights.

“We could hold one of the ships there hostage, or the whole harbor,’ suggested the knight.

‘Too risky,’ said Gaor. ‘A high likelihood of bloodshed, and the Goddess wants this to be done with kindness.’

‘Burn down the excise office?’

‘Hmm, we could make sure that no one was there,’ Gaor nodded, and then shook his head. ‘No, they wouldn’t send out too many legionnaires for something like that. We need something bigger.’

As they passed Solin and Arynel, the knight started to draw his sword, but Lord Dres Gaor took his arm and stopped him. He looked at Arynel with pure hatred, and they continued on.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 2 2005, 07:26 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 1 2005, 11:07 PM)

Solin returned the silence for a lingering moment.

"I have often wondered if there was a better place to see the stars than from the dirt," Solin said after the moment had fled, "A grand dream. I would like to see it done, at least for a moment."

Arynel sat for a time, without words.

"If a man walks a thousand roads, he will not see them all." The Breton says at last. "If his feet trod a thousand miles, he may not reach the end of only one. Follow the thread written in the darkness of night, follow a path lit by starlight. When all other roads fall away, to the conquerer goes the victory, and a crowning of royal splendor."

He turns to the Dunmer seated next to him, ignoring the passing knight.

"I think we see more than our eyes have been told, we must be more than the dirt can show. How marvelous is the one who stands, crowned by stars and without bounds."

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 2 2005, 07:31 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 12:39 PM)

"I have almost missed talking with you, stepsister. Almost. I still cannot believe how easily you fell for my trap. Perhaps you are losing your edge?" A wry smile on the Kings lips showed how much he enjoyed Elysana sitting in one of his cells.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 07:37 AM

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Jan 2 2005, 01:21 AM)

“I don’t doubt that I’ve grown dull,” the Queen said with a smile. ‘I haven’t had someone of your quality to battle with for twenty some years now. One tends to get lazy as undisputed master of one’s kingdom. But you have no cause to go soft. I can’t imagine a sovereign with less actual power than you, dear stepbrother.”

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 2 2005, 07:51 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 03:57 PM)

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec
“I don’t doubt that I’ve grown dull,” the Queen said with a smile. ‘I haven’t had someone of your quality to battle with for twenty some years now. One tends to get lazy as undisputed master of one’s kingdom. But you have no cause to go soft. I can’t imagine a sovereign with less actual power than you, dear stepbrother.”

"Touché. However, I'm still alive and remain King. Do you really think I would have remained so if I had such little power? And also my Palace remains standing, which is more than I can say for yours, my dear Elysana. That doesn't look like the actions of an 'undisputed master of one's kingdom', now, does it?"

Posted by: Tholer_Saryoni Jan 2 2005, 07:53 AM

The captain of the Armigers, Latius Maltne walked to those lords taking council over the issue of Loranna's movement.

"If you wish to avoid the Imperials, might I suggest taking the roads to the East? The legions don't go there anymore, and we know the roads of the wild well." He unrolled a map, and traced a possible route around Suran, and through the Ascadian Isles. "It's easy enough, and we can even cast water-walking."

Posted by: Solin Jan 2 2005, 08:06 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 1 2005, 11:16 PM)

The Dunmer looked at the Breton sitting at his side and listened. When Arynel finished he nodded his head and simply said, "So be it. Gazing upon in awe and wonder at all that is possible then not to falter and fall. What is necessary?"

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 08:11 AM

(GHOSTGATE:)

Aricyn walked through the camp, keeping one eye open for more trouble.

He passed Arynel and Solin, and overheard a few words of their conversation.

"You know," he said to the old wolf at his side, "if I had a septim for every time that boy said 'feet', and another for every time he said 'road', I could just BUY this godforsaken land and be done."

"Whuff."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 2 2005, 08:13 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 1 2005, 11:56 PM)

"What is necessary?" Arynel repeated. "The challenge, and in the conquering is born victory."

The Breton's voice trailed off into the wind, and he sat silently.

After a time he rose from his seat next to Solin, passed a quick and wordless glance to Aricyn, and walked away.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 08:15 AM

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Jan 2 2005, 01:41 AM)

“You know a great deal about current events in Wayrest,’ said Elysana. ‘I congratulate you on having such a well-placed spy in my court. I even hear that you’ve found and executed poor Tirin. Pity. He was always a fount of fascinating information about you. Still, you don’t know how many more men I have in your palace, watching you, advising you, your most trusted men … “

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 08:26 AM

Allerleirauh brushed Loranna's cheek with her lips, not answering her last comment, which seemed succint and in no need of a response.

She slipped down from beside her and followed Aricyn through the crowd. He turned into the new temple, passing the guards. She nodded to them and followed him in. Here, at the present time, all was silent, even hallowed.

"You," she said. "Little Nord boy. I saw you frightened, yesterday, for the first time. You're not an bloodless adventurer at all. You have a Cause, a fiercely beating heart and a set of strong beliefs."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 08:31 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 02:16 AM)

Aricyn turned when he heard the light but confident footsteps behind him, and smiled charmingly as he was addressed as 'Little Nord boy'.

"Frightened?" he replied to Allerleirauh's assessment of him. "Hardly.

"Why do you sound so surprised, though, to find that I have a reason to be here? Who in there right mind would be here without a reason?

"Are you and your little friend going to start taking shots at me, now?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 08:32 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 01:21 AM)

Aricyn turned when he heard the light but confident footsteps behind him, and smiled charmingly as he was addressed as 'Little Nord boy'.

"Frightened?" he replied to Allerleirauh's assesement of him. "Hardly.

"Why do you sound so surprised, though, to find that I have a reason to be here? Who in there right mind would be here without a reason?

"Are you and your little friend going to start taking shots at me, now?"

"Should I?" she asked, cutting Arynel out of the equation. "You said, 'You don't know what's at stake.' What is at stake?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 02:16 AM)

As Allie's lips brush Loranna's cheek, the silver-haired woman feels what Dagoth has come to recognize as one of Loranna's mental embraces, a feeling of warmth surrounding and slowly infusing her ...

... If I lose myself to Azura totally, remember this, Allie, Loranna's voice says with a slight, yet joyous tremble. I may never be able to be the strong, conquering light you and Arynel and the others are, but I do love you all just the same. Good luck; I hope the bright future we're all looking toward includes what you've been striving for all along.

Then, the sensation fades, almost as quickly as it came, and Loranna has a shy look for a second ... but it passes.

I'll go let Lord Dres know I'll be taking an alternate route, she says as Allie walks off.

Taking a deep breath, and embracing Dagoth mentally for a moment to tell him ... Not the same sort of love we have, you know; Allie's sweet and lovely and very warm but you're still the one I think of first. Then, she looks for Lord dres Gaor.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 08:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 02:22 AM)

"Should I?" she asked, cutting Arynel out of the equation. "You said, 'You don't know what's at stake.' What is at stake?"

"Why do you ask?" he replied, making an intentional show of seeming wary.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 08:40 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 01:25 AM)

"Why do you ask?" he replied, making an intentional show of seeming wary.

"Enough games," Allerleirauh said. "We're not Dunmer, we don't need to dance around misunderstanding each other. You were afraid yesterday, afraid I'd kill you. And I know you're not afraid of death. You're afraid to fail at whatever you're doing here. And I don't know what that is. I see by the sweat and ash on your brow that you hate Morrowind; you say you hate its people; you said plainly that you have no wish to rule here. What, then? Are you compelled against your own wish? Do you have some grudge against Helseth? Tell me. We have been adversaries but we need not be; we are both children of the Sky."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 08:40 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 02:24 AM)

Then, she looks for Lord dres Gaor.

Lord Dres Gaor is easily found, separated from camp with a group of his knights. On Loranna’s approach, they all bow deeply.

“My Goddess,”said the nobleman. ‘I think we have an interesting plan for distracting the Imperial legion. Would you like to hear about it, or do you like surprises?’

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 02:30 AM)

"Surprises are essential for keeping one's wits sharp and one's soul fresh," Loranna says with a gracious smile and a slight bow in return, " ... however, I believe I have had enough surprises for this fortnight. Please, rise and share your plans with me, my Lord."

She adds, in a voice only he can hear And I have a small thing to share with you, as well - the others can not hear what I say to you now so please speak as though you hear not these words. I'll know what your replies are ...

Posted by: w0nders Jan 2 2005, 08:46 AM

Summary-

Both Dante and Illidan had some close run-ins with the cloaked figures at ghostgate, whilst Merciander and Zero had made an alliance with Maranda and friends, Brum and Inzoliah still do not know about this though.

Ghostgate

Standing just outside the tower of dusk, Dante had removed a single drake from a small pouch and started flipping it repeadetly out of boredness.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 02:30 AM)

Aricyn smiles... sincerely.

"Yes, yes we both are. And yes, I'll admit to you and no one else that I'm very afraid of failing. You could say this just isn't really my area of expertise, but it's still me who has to do it.

"I think you're smarter than your young friend. I think you understand that the matter of who holds the Imperial throne means more than whether or not taxes will be raised again this year. Am I right?"

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 2 2005, 08:47 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 04:35 PM)

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec
“You know a great deal about current events in Wayrest,’ said Elysana. ‘I congratulate you on having such a well-placed spy in my court. I even hear that you’ve found and executed poor Tirin. Pity. He was always a fount of fascinating information about you. Still, you don’t know how many more men I have in your palace, watching you, advising you, your most trusted men … “

"Ah yes, I am quite pleased with that arrangement. They have served their purpose well, don't you agree? Of course, I always assume that my 'most trusted' advisors are spies. It does make things more fun, does it not? Perhaps the lesson taught to Tirin will reveal others. Or make them sweat each time I call them to my chambers. That alone makes being a ruler worth all of the mundane duties. Need I also point out that even though you have spies in my court, I was still able to capture you with ease?" Helseth realised he was going to miss Elysana when she was gone. She had always been a worthy advisary.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 08:51 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 01:36 AM)

"Ah. That.

"I have met him, you know," Allerleirauh said, after a pause. "Or, rather, I have heard him speak. Vivec wept in his presence. I wonder whether there will be rioting in the Capital today, if he fails to make an appearance. What is that to you? You have a little wind, son of Kyne, but you are not an Emperor."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 08:53 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 02:36 AM)

‘We were inspired by the tale of the Crimson Ship,’ said Lord Dres Gaor. ‘And plan to fabricate another ship filled with plague victims off the coast of Seyda Neen. The population will panic, fearing that they will dock, and the Imperial Legion will be called for. But it is only a ruse …’

Tell me, my Goddess, what new plans you have.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 08:56 AM

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Jan 2 2005, 02:37 AM)

“I know I’ve changed since you’ve seen me,” said the Queen of Wayrest. ‘I am forty-one years old. I have given birth to two children. I have lines on my face and my flesh is not as supple and thin as it once was. My kingdom is twice the size of the one you were banished from, and governing it is sometimes very difficult. I have, as you point out, grown slightly complacent, perhaps a bit lazy.

Male elves don’t change as much physically as female Bretons in twenty years. Except for your ears and eyes, you look the same as you did as a young man. You are still very handsome. I remember having quite an infatuation with you as a little girl when you and your mother and sister first came to my father’s house. But there is more fear in you than I remember, even more than in the days when you were a mere princeling vying for a throne you never could have. You are more afraid, but your other traits have remained the same I see. You are still loathed by your people, as you were in Wayrest. You are still the most contemptible egomaniac I have ever met. Truly, it is good to see you again.’

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 09:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 02:41 AM)

"No, I'm certainly not an Emperor, but I know who is. Or rather, I know who SHOULD be.

"I also know how he WILL be, and that, for some reason, starts right here.

"And that's 'nephew of Kyne', or so I'm told. The wind has spoken to me my entire life. I don't need to justify the why or how to you, but I have been told, in simple terms, that he who rules Morrowind will rule the Empire. I'm just packaging the whole thing up with a nice bow on top.

"Your grudge against Azura, your mad, love-stricken campaign for the preservation of Vivec, the spiritual growing pains of this whole damned country... I couldn't care less."

Posted by: Tholer_Saryoni Jan 2 2005, 09:04 AM

Bells toll and toll, bringing with them a foreboding purity which no longer exists in the world. A singular collective presence of mind sounds in their minds, stating one truth: “something is to happen.” It called the citizens of Vivec to order, for they knew the sound of bells was not something to fear, rather a sound of strength and justice. The Dunmer people could understand both.

The couriers spread the news; the priests stood upon their pedestals and read it aloud. Quite did the bulletin surprise them, for they had gone accustomed to sleep, the antagonist of vigilance. Yet they accepted what seemed rational, not minding at all the measures which would hardly affect them. Slowly in the past had the Temple told them of their Almsivi’s deaths. The news had crushed them but now they were lifted. Vivec had placed his own daughter into the womb of a woman, who would now lift the banner of Almsivi into the blue sky, where it belonged. The citizens of Vivec were devout towards their patron god more than any others and were ready to welcome in what had left them for so long.

Atop a platform on the Temple Compound, a priest was giving his own speech on the matter. “We must be watchful – the N’wah would destroy our religion, and have us worship their filthy Talos. If you see any suspicious behavior, it would behoove all to report to the High Inquisitor.”

In the St. Delyn Plaza, one Abbey had begun a tirade upon the slavery Morrowind had been put to. “They spend our brother’s lives in soldiery. They pretend as if this land was their personal playground, for them to hatch their meager schemes. SEIZE WHAT HAS BEEN STOLEN, A LIFE OF DIGNITY AWAITS! I cannot repeat the blessings of Loranna’s coming to an adequate level. We will in that day be saved.”

In the background the Ordinators declared war upon blasphemy, as if the word hadn’t been re-written.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 02:43 AM)

Loranna considers. "It is a cunning plan," she says after a moment's thought. "Though panic is a difficult thing to control, and can sometimes slip the leash of those who would use it. Tell me of what details you have arranged to ensure the panic obeys our will, please?"

She smiles again. "I know I ask much, but only because I know the minds and hearts of the Dunmer people are capable of offering much - your strnegth you've shown me repeatedly as I've journeyed recently."

In light of the recent assasin attempts, Loranan tells Lord Dres, I've decided that it will be safer for Sen-Yedda and myself if I were to take an alternate route - a detail we will not make commonly known until later to throw off potential spies. I will meet up with the main group just outside of Vivec, and can reach out with my thoughts to keep in contact with you and others, to ensure things go according to plan. As much as I would wish to be with the people who have shown so much support for me and Sen-Yedda all along, I grow concerned that I am being ... reckless ... in remaining so open to all comers, friendly, adversarial, and outright murderous.

Posted by: Aki Jan 2 2005, 09:12 AM

A short Distance North of Vivec

Tarenen had moved the hunters out of Vivec. The city had become too hostile for his liking. Instead they had camped out only slightly north of the city. Off on the side of the road. They would still await Loranna and her Party. This only changed the battle feild.

Tarenen had so wanted to fight on the Temple Canton.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 09:15 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 01:50 AM)

Allerleirauh moved, suddenly, catching Aricyn by the chin and turning his face towards the faint light entering the tunnel-like Temple hallway from outside. She frowned, studying his face intently. Then she let him go.

"You are also in love," she said softly. "With someone, or something. Whether or not you tell me more, I like you better than I did.

"So, your plan is not to become king at all, but simply to make Morrowind able to be conquered... by someone? That is not a kind plan. It reminds me very much of Tiber Septim. And, let me tell you, he paid for his crimes in a coin I hope you never learn to understand. Be careful of Kyne, little Nord boy. She is called the Kiss at the End for a reason. She loves heroes, and she uses them, to the very last breath."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 09:16 AM

Ghostgate

‘Panic is not the word I should have used, Goddess,’ said Lord Dres Gaor. ‘I beg your pardon for that. A ship off the shore should inspire more of a feeling of dread. The town will be seeded with my men, to insure that the fear is kept up, and the people come to the proper solution of calling the Legion in. The simple town folk should not be hard to manipulate.’

I understand your fears, Goddess, and I would assuage them if I could, but you are right to be careful. I think I expressed my reservations about the quality of the people you surround yourself with closely. I am only afraid that if you separate yourself from your worshippers, and rely on people like that Nord woman and the Breton lad, you may be putting yourself right into the midst of assassins … Who will you take with you?

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 09:21 AM

Doll:

Doll had purchased new clothes for herself, including a pair of slave bracers, waiting to be enchanted. She donned them, without the enchantment, and the clothes, and joined the horde of slaves carrying food and drink and supplies to their various masters. She had Solin to wait on, and he was so involved in his conversation with Arynel that at first he did not notice it was she.

When she had become well known among the slaves, as one of them, then she would try making conversation.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 09:25 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 03:05 AM)

Aricyn pulled away from the cool fingers on his face.

"Sound advice, I suppose. I'm not one for throwing my life away. Although, as you say, I am 'in love', after a fashion. If by my suffering what must come to pass comes, then I'm fine with that.

"As to the kindness of my plan, I suspect the Dunmer will be happy with the leadership that's offered to them, by the time it comes. People don't know what they want until someone tells them. Surely you've noticed that before.

"Besides, there are some things that are simply more important than kindness doled out by the ladle-full."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 09:27 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 03:06 AM)

"That is good, my Lord," Loranna says with a smile, "Played rightly that should create the diversion we need while causing no lasting harm - our mercy thus shown as well as our cunning."

I know how you feel about the Nord woman, Loranna says, her tone becoming comforting. She loves Vivec and has no love for Azura - but one passion she and I both share with equal fierceness is our desire to see Vivec's and Azura's child come safely into this world. She will grumble and heckle and give angry glares, but when the times comes hers will be the first and the last sword raised to defend my flesh and my womb. In that, I can trust her at least, and she will be one of the people I take - to be fair, she would follow even if I did not take her, such is her desire to see Sen-Yedda remain safe.

As for others, that I am still considering. I have to talk to one or two more people to ensure everything is in place for when I split from the procession, but I do not envision the force to be too large. The goal is to pass unnoticed, after all. Do be assured though, those I ask to take with me shall come under the closest scrutiny; it does get wearisome having knives thrust at you time and again.

She smiles once more.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 09:31 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 02:15 AM)

"Yes," Allerleirauh said. "I think Loranna has amply demonstrated that true kindness takes practice and skill."

She pulled a clean kerchief out of her pocket and flipped it out, then wiped his face with it. "I don't know why it should offend me all of a sudden that the dust of this place clings to you. I suppose because we are both Nords, and this sea of dark faces makes my blood curdle. In any case, you need to look well. I prefer your influence to that of Lord Gaor of Dres. Let us go to Loranna and see what insanity awaits in the next step of our journey."

She left the Temple, returning to Loranna.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 03:21 AM)

Aricyn watched her go, still feeling the gentle scrubbing on his cheeks. That, no doubt, was why they felt hot.

"Whruf," said the old wolf, quietly.

"I know...." replied Aricyn, and followed Allerleirauh out of the temple.

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 2 2005, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 05:16 PM)

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec
“I know I’ve changed since you’ve seen me,” said the Queen of Wayrest. ‘I am forty-one years old. I have given birth to two children. I have lines on my face and my flesh is not as supple and thin as it once was. My kingdom is twice the size of the one you were banished from, and governing it is sometimes very difficult. I have, as you point out, grown slightly complacent, perhaps a bit lazy.

Male elves don’t change as much physically as female Bretons in twenty years. Except for your ears and eyes, you look the same as you did as a young man. You are still very handsome. I remember having quite an infatuation with you as a little girl when you and your mother and sister first came to my father’s house. But there is more fear in you than I remember, even more than in the days when you were a mere princeling vying for a throne you never could have. You are more afraid, but your other traits have remained the same I see. You are still loathed by your people, as you were in Wayrest. You are still the most contemptible egomaniac I have ever met. Truly, it is good to see you again.’

"Yes, you have changed since the last time I saw you. And it is a pity, yet innevitable. It will surely be a sad day when my favoutire advisary finally passes away. Although I'm sure there will be others to take your place, even though I doubt they will be even close to your deviousness.

"Never the less, hurrying the process by my own hand will be some solace I suppose. Your flattery will not lessen the fact that I'm going to have to kill you soon. But first, there is something I have to take care of that you no doubt already know. Perhaps I could send that stupid Nord girl to rule over your Kingdom when you are gone."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 09:38 AM

Ghostgate

‘I am very glad our plan meets with your approval, Goddess,’ said Lord Dres Gaor with a formal bow and an informal grin. ‘This the the sort of a mission my men enjoy.’

You know best, Goddess. I only express my fears that the Nord woman is too conflicted to defend you as rigorously as she ought to. I have even heard rumors that she attempted to poison your child, though they are likely only that, rumors. Perhaps I am just too simple, thinking that the most obviously loyal men, Aricyn, Liris, and Dagoth, should be your chief bodyguards, not she …

Please, do tell me a way I can communicate with you. And anything else I can do to help the cause. I am at your disposal.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 09:46 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 03:28 AM)

Loranna chuckles a little and bows to the present company, turning as she hears Allie and Aricyn enter. "Ah, there you are," she says, smiling at Aricyn. "Just the man I was looking for ..."

She turns and nods to Lord Gaor and his men. "Thank you again, my Lord; may your men succeed and stay safe, and we will talk again later."

To Lord Gaor, she adds To reach me, the easiest way is to simply turn your thoughts to me; I will hear them unless otherwise occupied. I will likewise turn my thoughts to you when I need to reach you - and I will try not to rouse you from sleep unless it's truly necessary. For now though, put your worries at rest, and stay well.

To Allie and Aricyn, Loranna says "Come with me please, both of you?" and starts to walk out.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 09:48 AM

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Jan 2 2005, 03:27 AM)

Elysana laughs delightedly. ‘Oh, Helseth, darling, darling self-adoring dunce. Only you could read flattery into my words. So, I am to be executed, am I? Will it be in secret or out in the open? Am I to be tortured for information first? What would I do in your position?

Come, play the game with me, playmate. We spy on each other daily – surely we can read each other’s minds by now. I could have guessed, for example, that the stupid Nord girl was on your mind. Surely you have means of dealing with little cults like that.’

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 09:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 03:36 AM)

To Allie and Aricyn, Loranna says "Come with me please, both of you?" and starts to walk out.

Aricyn shot Allerleirauh what could only be described as 'a look', and followed Loranna.

Posted by: Aki Jan 2 2005, 09:49 AM

Ghostgate
Reichi sat nearby on one of the stone spires listening to all that he could hear. He smirked. "Plans to scare them with ghost stories...Dres knows the mind of a civilian...and how to manipulate them..." he mumbled to himself.

In the distance a Cliffracer spottted reichi and swooped towards him.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 09:50 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 02:39 AM)

Aricyn shot Allerleirauh what could only be described as 'a look', and followed Loranna.

Allerleirauh fell into step beside Aricyn.

Posted by: Tholer_Saryoni Jan 2 2005, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 03:38 AM)

So, I am to be executed, am I? Will it be in secret or out in the open?

A voice outside can be heard..."Of course, murder is a crime now,"

Posted by: Nalion Jan 2 2005, 09:54 AM

The Ashlands, many miles east of Ghostgate

Nalion stumbled on through the ashlands, sweat was on his brow, ash covered him from head to toe. He forced himself to take another step up the hill in front of him. His feet were sore, his muscles ached and his shoulders were slumped. His hand only barely managed to hold his staff. The mages eyes still looked elsewhere, though...

Flashback: Nalions Story

Her name was Lirielle, she was a beauty, radiant like a star. And she was the daughter of Joslin Tailas, a minor local noble. His ambitions were not so minor, though. But as to Lirielle... Nalion met her often when she bought some trinkets in his master’s store, Nalion got to like her, and she was fond of him, too. Things developed further, as it could be expected from two young hearts and Nalion fell hopelessly in love with her. She was so beautiful, charming, she was all he ever wanted in his life. The moment he cherished the most in his life was when she told him that she shared his feelings. In this moment he gave her the ring Nalion enchanted first, as a token of their love.
They had to meet secretly, for Lirielles father was jealous, and ambitious. Even in the small village the Breton mage grew up, politics, scheming and lust for power were present. So, Nalion and Lirielle met at night, in haybarns and sat there, embracing each other tightly, kissing and watching the stars in the firmament.

Their romance was discovered soon after. As Lirielle was found missing in her fathers estate, guards were sent out in search for her. They discovered the couple in the hay of Nalion’s neighbours barn...
To say the least, young Nalion got away with a flogging. Lirielle’s father was furious, as he wanted to marry her away to some other noble to fortify his ambitions, and so he confined her in his estate, under guard.

Nalion was eighteen then, and furious, too. Of course, his longing for Lirielle got the better of the Breton mage and so he sneaked by cover night into Tailas’ estate to see Lirielle. By working some magic, he managed to get into her room, barely subduing her cry of surprise as she saw him. Nalion traced the fine features of Lirielles face with his fingers, kissing her on the mouth.
As they embraced, a gush of wind of the open window in her room let the shutters creak and bump loudly. The next second, a guard stood in the doorframe. What then happened, Nalion didn’t know. He remembers channeling magicka wildly about him, stepping over a fallen guard, asked Lirielle if she would come with him, grabbed her by the hand and they fled out of the estate.

Tears ran down Nalions cheeks as he dropped to his knees.
“I have killed, no, murdered, for the sake of my own ambitions. I’ve never given her the opportunity to freely decide if she wanted to spend her life with me.” Nalion scratched his face with his hands. Nalion cringed on the ground, shaking heavily.
He unsheathed his dagger of senses and held it point first over his heart. His vision seemed to grow sharper, he could feel life around him, even in this harsh desert, he could hear sounds more clearly.

His thoughts went back to a city covered in snow, a child lay in his arm. Allerleirauh gently touched his shoulders...

QUOTE(Allerleirauh)

"You did well here," she said. "More would have died if not for you."

Then...

QUOTE(Allerleirauh)

“You are a good man. You must be strong now, you are needed."

Nalion saw Arynel again, as he last left him on the slopes of Red Mountain..

QUOTE(Arynel)

"The only weight you must carry is the weight you make your shoulders to lift. The only noose you must wear is the one you place around your neck."

Nalions grip on the dagger wavered, then he withdrew it. “Atonement cannot be accomplished by death…” Slowly, he rose, and continued his path…

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 09:54 AM

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

QUOTE(Tholer_Saryoni @ Jan 2 2005, 03:42 AM)

A voice outside can be heard..."Of course, murder is a crime now,"

Elysana turns in the direction of the voice, but still watching Helseth's face.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 09:55 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 03:40 AM)

Allerleirauh fell into step beside Aricyn.

Loranna leads Allie and Aricyn to another part of Ghostgate, where no one else currently sits. She turns to look at both of them.

"Right; I've decided that it would be best to take Allie's advice about leaving myself so open to potential cutthroats," she says without preamble, keeping her voice low. "When we reach Fort Moonmoth, I'm planning on seperating from the main group again to head to Vivec via an alternate route. I was already planning on asking Dagoth and Allie herself to accompany me, as well as a few others - enough to keep Sen-Yedda safe while not drawing too much attention from being a crowd."

Posted by: Solin Jan 2 2005, 09:56 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 2 2005, 12:03 AM)

Solin watched as the Breton departed. He remained silent during the entirety for lack of words. After Arynel had gone the Mer shook his head and sighed. If you have words for it... So be it.

In a rush of sensation Solin found himself acutely aware of the surroundings he had been ignoring while he discussed with Arynel. Doll stood waiting for him to notice her. A grin returned to his face.

“So eager to be a slave are you?” he asked. As soon as the words left his mouth his grin turned to a strange smirk which then passed back into a grin once more with the passing of a mere moment.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 2 2005, 10:00 AM

The time in-between time…

Dur’el walks over the desolate, rain soaked land to Left Hand as he does the same. They both stop one foot away from each other and exchange unemotional stares. Dur’el looks up into the darken, face of Left Hand that is deep-set inside his hood, while Left Hand looks down into the young, handsome face of Dur’el. Many moments pass with no words from either of them, the rain pours down as black, thunder lights the gloomy, crimson sky.

A cavernous voice, like a caged lion escapes from Left Hands hood. “What am I doing here?”

“You, you’re here to die.” Dur’el boldly states.

“Really?” Left Hand replies cynically. “And who’s going to pull off this unattainable undertaking?”

“That who, be me.” Dur’el snaps back fearlessly.

Left Hand looks around completely ignoring Dur’el last comment. He gets his fill of the land and turns his ice gaze back on Dur’el. “Where’s the incarnate?”

Dur’el says nothing.

Left Hand senses that Dur’el won’t comply with his questions so he begins to concentrate on, and read, the magicka in the area. Left Hand frowns as he senses that there is little to no magicka in this land, and most of it is broken or torn. Almost like trying to read an old note on an aged, crumbling, piece of paper. After a few seconds Left Hand gets the gist of Dur’el’s struggle in the time between time.

“Ah, you’re my way out of here.” Left Hand says with clarity.

He then begins to unsheathe his sword.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 10:02 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 2 2005, 02:46 AM)

"Shh," she said softly. "I have a plan. Most of their slaves are Khajiit or Argonian but I speak good Khajiit, I used to have an Ohmes-Raht customer who asked for me all the time. Dunmer are arrogant, they think Khajiit are stupid because they don't speak the language plainly. Well, Khajiit are only as stupid as they pretend to be. Do you have any sugar on you?"

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 10:03 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 03:45 AM)

"So," says Aricyn, calmly leaning his elbows on his knees, not looking up,"your thought was that it would be safer to leave the two-thousand fanatically loyal, fully-armored, spear-waving Ashlanders, the very spiffily-dressed group of Armigers that Tholer Saryoni personally sent to escort you safely to Vivec, the colorful selection of other well-armed worshippers you've collected, AND those nifty dancing girls from the west with the bells on their toes... and just set out with a couple of friends across the country? That sounds safer?

"Feel free to correct me at any time."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 03:53 AM)

"Did any of those," Loranna says with a sigh, "stop the last assasin from getting close enough to put a knife to my throat not just once but twice?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 10:05 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 02:53 AM)

"It was my suggestion, Aricyn, but I fear she misunderstood my purpose. A long journey overland was not what I intended. Using magic, those of us with money can be in Vivec tomorrow. The hordes of milling idiots can follow at their leisure."

Posted by: Solin Jan 2 2005, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 01:52 AM)

"Sugar?" Solin asked raising an eyebrow. "I'm afraid I wouldn't know what to do with it if I did. Though in a crowd this size it wouldn't be hard to find."

He rose from the bench and slung his pack over his back.

"What are you planning to do with this sugar when we find it?"

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 2 2005, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 06:08 PM)

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec
Elysana laughs delightedly. ‘Oh, Helseth, darling, darling self-adoring dunce. Only you could read flattery into my words. So, I am to be executed, am I? Will it be in secret or out in the open? Am I to be tortured for information first? What would I do in your position?

Come, play the game with me, playmate. We spy on each other daily – surely we can read each other’s minds by now. I could have guessed, for example, that the stupid Nord girl was on your mind. Surely you have means of dealing with little cults like that.’

"Yes, you are to be executed - did you expect anything less? And as much as I would love to have you executed in public, you would enjoy that too much. No, for you, it will be in private and in exquisite pain. However, I will have your body sent back to your kingdom once I am finished. I wouldn't want people thinking that you are still alive, would I?

"The cult is proving more resilient than the others. I suspect that you are partly to blame for this. And I also suspect other forces are at play. I am told that they are heading here to Vivec. And it is here that they will be stopped. I do not wish to make a martyr out of this Loranna, so she will be captured and delt with. Perhaps exile would be a fitting punishment."

QUOTE(Tholer_Saryoni @ Jan 2 2005, 06:12 PM)

A voice outside can be heard..."Of course, murder is a crime now,"

Helseth finished his speech and turned around. A signal to one of the Her Hand Ordinators caused them to open the door and escort the interloper into the cell.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 10:14 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 2 2005, 02:59 AM)

"Give it to my friends of course," Doll said, winking. "All right, I knew it was a long shot, but mages sometimes have all sort of odd things hidden in their sleeves. I'll go scrounge. By the way, did you know, according to the girls who work for Dres, Khajiit and Dunmer CAN interbreed? The loremasters really should get out and do field work more often."

Her bright-eyed, perky demeanor transformed in an instant; and a much more sober, mild mannered young girl left his side, her eyes cast carefully to the ground a few paces in front of her.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 10:14 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 03:54 AM)

"Did any of those," Loranna says with a sigh, "stop the last assasin from getting close enough to put a knife to my throat not just once but twice?"

"Did WE? It doesn't really matter, does it? If you're meant to be murdered, it'll happen. I sincerely doubt that's your destiny, though. I wouldn't worry about it too much one way or the other."

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 03:55 AM)

"That may be worth considering. I have two problems with that plan, though. Go ahead and change my mind;

"Firstly, you aren't going to gain any new followers by not travelling through an area.

"Secondly, I'm a lot more worried about the King at this point than I am some faceless random assassin, and the King's men are going to go for the big, shiny parade. Now if that does happen, and you aren't there, then true enough you'll be safe, but without us there, every single one of your most devout followers will be dead. While Allerleirauh might be happy with that outcome, I doubt you would, Loranna."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 10:21 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 04:04 AM)

"Did WE? It doesn't really matter, does it? If you're meant to be murdered, it'll happen. I sincerely doubt that's your destiny, though. I wouldn't worry about it too much one way or the other."
"That may be worth considering. I have two problems with that plan, though. Go ahead and change my mind;

"Firstly, you aren't going to gain any new followers by not travelling through an area.

"Secondly, I'm a lot more worried about the King at this point than I am some faceless random assassin, and the King's men are going to go for the big, shiney parade. Now if that does happen, and you aren't there, then true enough you'll be safe, but without us there, every single one of your most devout followers will be dead. While Allerleirauh might be happy with that outcome, I doubt you would, Loranna."

"Well, my alternate route was going to be through the Balmora Mage Guild," Loranna admits.

" ... All right then, let's think about this," she mutters.

"For the first point, well ... I see what you're saying. Yes, more worshipers would be a good thing, from the point of view of getting Azura back to Moonshadow that much faster, though the old phrase about spending your gold if your dead comes to mind. But your second point looms larger in my mind."

" ... You're right, I've no desire to get anyone else killed, and yes Helseth's doubtless waiting for us and looking for the shiny parade. This was partly why I was thinking of just asking a couple people to come with me, so that the main procession would still have protection ..."

"Well, here's a question to both of you; what can we reasonably do at this point to blunt Helseth's spears?" she asks.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 10:24 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 03:11 AM)

"I don't know where Helseth's spears ARE," Allerleirauh said. "I miss Tris, and Mirea's only one person. If this keeps up I will be reduced to doing my own legwork."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 10:24 AM

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec

QUOTE(Attrebus @ Jan 2 2005, 03:59 AM)

“No, you wouldn’t want to execute me in public, not you. Appealing to the crowd was never your strong point. They might decide to put your neck on the block instead of mine. You might want to work on that. It is possible for a ruler to be feared without being hated. It’s not a hard trick.

It is quite a quandry with that resilient little cult. I don’t see how banishment would help your dilemma, but your ham-handed, clumsy attempt to discredit Azura with those pathetic little dremora-raising witch children?” Elysana laughed. ‘I thought you were better than that. You should hire on the spy at my court to come up with your strategies for you. He at least knows something about manipulation.’

Posted by: Solin Jan 2 2005, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 02:04 AM)

Solin gave a snort and shook his head. His grin slowly faded as the girl departed. The dark elf's mind drifted back to his recent conversation. He wondered if this was what it was like to be lost in a familiar forest. Driven to the point of fracture again and again trying to desperately seek the way back to the right path. A sigh escaped his lips and he followed after the "slave."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 04:14 AM)

"I don't know where Helseth's spears ARE," Allerleirauh said. "I miss Tris, and Mirea's only one person. If this keeps up I will be reduced to doing my own legwork."

"That would be remarkable...

"As for suggestions, though, the way to 'blunt Helseth's spears' as you put it, it to insure that he has no friends here. This is Vvardenfel, not the mainland. Getting an army here is an undertaking. We just have to make sure that any armies that are already here are OURS, not his. So far we've done an amazing job at that. The fact that the Temple is with us is a miracle, in my opinion.

"I'm thinking outloud, though. I don't want these people killed, and I don't want them being left alone for long enough to decide that they're going to be fickle in some NEW way, and stop following you around with confetti.

"It seems to me that secrecy is our enemy here, not our friend. I say it's not a terrible idea to teleport to Vivec. It would, I think, be safer for everyone if everyone KNEW you weren't with the parade this time, though.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 04:22 AM)

"Be nice now Aricyn; Allie is busy enough even without the legwork," Loranna says with a playful smile.

" ... Well, if what I hear in peoples' thoughts is true," she says, "Helseth has few friends here; his stepsister, now ... but you're right; as bloody as things have been, we have been blessed with small miracles thus far."

" ... Well, you may have a good point there about being open about heading off ahead," Loranna says. "For right now at least, in case there are ears for Helseth I haven't noticed, I say let's keep it quiet - just those who would be coming or would need to know in advance be told. When we reach Fort Moonmoth we can announce it, give the potential spies less time to react. Does that sound workable?"

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 2 2005, 10:45 AM

The time in-between time…

Left Hand readies himself for battle, drawing his sword and stepping back from Dur’el. He drops his cloak, showing off his fully armored body. The armor was a kind Dur’el had never seen before; it was black but, pulsed with an inner ruby beauty. Dur’el stepped back in silent awe of the monsters true size, whatever Molag had done to him… it wasn’t natural.

Underneath his mask Left Hand smiled. Dur’el’s past is an open book to Left Hand and it was about time he started ripping the right pages.

“You know you’re going to die, right? All the others before you… your just the next in line. You can’t defeat me and you know it. Give up now. You’re going to die here alone just like the last loser that was here. And now that your girlfriend is alive this time around, once I’m finished with you… I’m going to have my way with her.” Left Hand mocks.

Dur’el quickly and angrily raises his right arm, and brings it down in an arc, as his Shehai forms, and ignites the dark, terrain with opal light. Left Hand effortlessly blocks his attack with his sword, smiling under his mask, as an explosion of opal, and navy, light illuminates the rainy, dim sky.

“Are you mad, yet? Good, flail foolishly in battle and make mistakes. It makes this much easier for me.” Left Hand says laughing.

Left Hand thrusts back Dur’el’s attack, with a shove that sends Dur’el sliding backwards in the wet soil. Dur’el regains his balance, and dodges to the side, barely missing a triumphant thrust of Left Hand’s sword that would have impaled him.

Dur’el quickly circles to the back of Left Hand and gives him a thrust of his own, which is blocked from behind as Left Hand extends his arm over his shoulder to parry Dur’el’s thrust. Another flash of brilliant, rainbow paints the area.

Left Hand turns around and backs up from Dur’el laughing.

“You don’t stand a chance.” Left Hand says hardly amused.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 10:53 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 2 2005, 03:22 AM)

It would have been a death sentence for a slave to purchase moonsugar; if Solin were caught, it would be only a small fine. It wasn't hard to find someone with illicit substances; all that was necessary was to go to any vendor and stand next to an annoyed patron emptying out his pockets to abide by the law that technically no one could make sales with someone carrying drugs. Doll prodded and directed Solin under her breath; the deal was made.

"Master," she said, dipping him a curtsey, and hurried away with his purchase concealed under her skirt.

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Jan 2 2005, 10:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 04:29 AM)

I say let's keep it quiet - just those who would be coming or would need to know in advance be told. When we reach Fort Moonmoth we can announce it, give the potential spies less time to react. Does that sound workable?"

Better than quiet and withdrawn, is loud and inconspicuous. They don't look at the ones laughing merrily. Anyhow, I'm ready for a good walk.

Posted by: Solin Jan 2 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 02:43 AM)

Solin made all the appropriate motions as the "slave" left him by the vendor. The Dunmer made his way, through his fellows, searching for a place to sit once more. He let loose a sigh of relief when he found a chair positioned to make the best use of a guar hide awning. He sat amongst the bustling crowd and set to wonder.

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 2 2005, 11:07 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 2 2005, 06:44 PM)

Hlaalu Canton, Vivec
“No, you wouldn’t want to execute me in public, not you. Appealing to the crowd was never your strong point. They might decide to put your neck on the block instead of mine. You might want to work on that. It is possible for a ruler to be feared without being hated. It’s not a hard trick.

It is quite a quandry with that resilient little cult. I don’t see how banishment would help your dilemma, but your ham-handed, clumsy attempt to discredit Azura with those pathetic little dremora-raising witch children?” Elysana laughed. ‘I thought you were better than that. You should hire on the spy at my court to come up with your strategies for you. He at least knows something about manipulation.’

"It is not a hard trick, but it is not a trick I wish to learn. Fear and hatred are all these uncivilized Dunmer understand. Even the Tribunal knew this, which is why they created the Ordinators.

"You'd be surprized how often the witch children ploy works." Smilied Helseth. "Perhaps sending her to rule over your Kingdom would be a better punishment. Or maybe I'll let the child take my place. After a few days, she'll be begging me to re take the throne." The obvious jest in Helseth's voice for the last bit was unexpected. Perhaps it was related to the unexpected guest.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 2 2005, 11:19 AM

Every following step was harder than the one Nalion made before.
“Go, take another, and another.” The mage muttered to himself. Nalion was shaking, despite the heat around him. He could barely breathe, as the ash filled his nostrils. His lips were as dry as the charred dead trees that stuck out of the ash here and there. Nalion staggered once more, up the crest of a hill. His eyes were sunken deeply in their holes, burning with an eerie glow.

Flashback: Nalions Story

Hidden by the darkness of the night, Nalion and Lirielle managed to escape the pursuing guards. Shortly after their flight, they heard rumours that Nalion was charged with the murder of a guard and kidnapping a noble. He was an outcast now. It was then when Lirielle and Nalion decided to flee from High Rock, to build up their own existence in southern Cyrodiil. After crossing the river Bjoulsae they have never entered High Rock again.
The long travel to the south and east was hard, but they finally made it. Nalion managed to earn them a living with his enchanting skills. Both, Lirielle and Nalion were as happy as they could be and their love never diminished. They thought they could live like that forever. But then, after two years being together, Lirielle grew sick...

Nalion never knew what it was that made her ill. No spell he wrought, no potion he bought and no healer he summoned could help her... After two months of suffering, Lirielle died in Nalions arms.

Nalion breaks out in tears, the pain clearly visible in his face. His body shakes again, then the last bit of strength left him. He fell, and tumbled down the hill. Sharp stones pierced his robe, causing heavy bruises. He landed on his knees way down the hill, his body aching from the fall. Tears blurred his vision. He was now shaking uncontrollably.
A light mist rose up in front of him.
He blinked away his tears, staring.
The mist took shape, the shape of the woman he loved.
Her eyes were bright and her features more beautiful than ever.
Nalion tried to touch her, but Lirielle shook her head.

“I have seen your pain, dearest. Know my spirit has never left you.”
“How?” Nalion sobbed.
“I have never told you that I was glad you took me away from my father, I was so happy when you appeared in my chamber. I had never had the chance to say goodbye to you when I left this world. I love you, Nalion.”
Nalions eyes grew wet again with tears “I love you, too, Lirielle.”
“You have a task at hand, now. You are needed. I am proud of you, but you have to let go of me now. The bridges of your past have been torn now. Go back and embrace your destiny, my love.”
Lirielle stretched her hand out to Nalion, and he returned the gesture. A ring blinked on Lirielles finger. Just as their palms were about to touch, Lirielle vanished. The ring though, was now on Nalions finger. He traced its engravings: “Nalion”
“I love you, too.” he whispered, staring at the ring in wonder.

Then he raised his head and looked around him. The hill he had fallen down marked the borderline from the Red Mountain region to the Grazelands. Green grass grew only a few feet away. A comberry bush lined a small creek with clear water. Eagerly he dragged himself to the water and drank. He never tasted water so sweet and it was like a blessing to his parched lips. As he had his fill, the stress and weariness of his journey finally took hold of him and he fell into a calm and restful sleep…

From somewhere, a voice whispered in his mind.
Bridges torn,
Burdens lain down,
New tasks at hand,
New paths to follow.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 11:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 04:29 AM)

"As you like," Aricyn said, with little conviction.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 11:31 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 2 2005, 05:10 AM)

"As you like," Aricyn said, with little conviction.

Loranna smiles sadly at Aricyn. " ... Everyone's putting their faith in Sen-Yedda," she says, reaching to touch his arm. "You're right in what you say, but still ... still ..."

Loranna's hand quivers, and her eyes turn grey ...

You have failed as Incarnate but by the acts of the Breton you may not be allowed to fall to the weight of destiny, Azura's voice rings out, softer than usual but it still reverberates through Allie's and Aricyn's bones, as Loranna's hand falls to her side and her expression once again becomes marble perfection.

You will travel with the playmates of the Thief along the watery paths, Azura continues. The acts of those you have allowed in your graces shall await you there; you shall do what only the Incarnate of Azura may do.

Trust to the strength that has carried you from Cyrodill to Morrowind, and know that this is Azura's Mercy - a second chance to fulfill your destiny.

The grey fades from Loranna's eyes and she shakes ...

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 2 2005, 11:32 AM

The time in-between time…

Kasha lay on the cold, wet, cave floor fighting with headaches, and voices in her head, while Allimar chanted all the health spells he knew to try, and soothe her pain.

Inside Kasha’s head was a party. A party of banshees and at this party they scream all at once uncontrollably. They also beat on the walls, and make a mess of the party favors. As you can tell this is not a party Kasha wants in her head. But she has had it… for years. And the parties got worst and worst, over the years, as more banshees joined in and picked up screaming, and beating the inside of her head. But what only Kasha knew, was that she was slowly, and with moderate success, trying to control the party. Get the guess to calm down and speak one at a time, or shut up all together. Sometimes this was easy. The guests were quiet and Kasha could sometimes hear single conversations…

...It’s going to rain today… tell Allimar to watch out for that rock on the floor… Dur’el’s going to hurt himself training today… today’s the day that old Redguard will die…

And when it was easy the headaches subsided, and Kasha could function normally. Other times it was impossible as the screaming refused to stop. Very rarely did Kasha have quiet parties, and today didn’t seem like one of those days.

Kasha squirmed on the cave floor in the mercy of her mind, until suddenly all the voices in her head stopped, and one voice shined through, like a candle in the dark.

With this voice came clarification.

Kasha sat up quickly with enlightenment. “The old tree!” Kasha exclaimed. “Al, grab all our stuff and follow me.” She declared to the stunned Bosmer.

Before the plump, Bosmer could reply or react, Kasha was already running out of the cave.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 11:33 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 04:21 AM)

Allerleirauh felt a sudden foreboding that was not connected to her usual dislike of Azura's speeches.

"What does that MEAN, in practical terms? Where does she want us to go?"

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 11:34 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 05:21 AM)

Trust to the strength that has carried you from Cyrodill to Morrowind, and know that this is Azura's Mercy - a second chance to fulfill your destiny.[/b] [/size][/color]

The grey fades from Loranna's eyes and she shakes ...

Aricyn's eybrows raise noticeably, but he waits to see if an answer to Allerleirauh's question is forthcoming.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 11:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 05:23 AM)

Allerleirauh felt a sudden foreboding that was not connected to her usual dislike of Azura's speeches.

"What does that MEAN, in practical terms? Where does she want us to go?"

Loranna hugs herself to stop from shaking.

" ... S ... Suran," she says. "She means for me to travel with the Armigers to Suran. Something ..."

She shakes her head. " ... I don't know what, but something's not right there ..."

Loranna's jaw tightens, and she gets control of herself.

" ... Okay; I need to go with the Armigers to Suran. Lord Dres has already set things in motion to let the main procession go along the first path, and ... I think she's mostly wanting me and the Armigers to go the other way. We can still leave most of our other fighters and mages to protect the main procession along the way to Peligaid, and ..."

Loranna stops. " ... Slow down Lor ..."

Posted by: Solin Jan 2 2005, 11:42 AM

[Tris and Ciel, Cyrodiil]

Tris was waiting patiently in a semi-crowded antechamber of Dibella’s Temple in the Imperial city. Ciel had not arrived back from the priests yet. Time wore on and the waiting continued. Eventually a young man detached himself from the chamber’s wall and approached the patiently waiting Tris.

The man had brown hair so dark it could be mistaken for black. He looked like a Breton though there had definitely been an Imperial in his family lineage somewhere, his features were enough to make an observer wonder if his father had been one. A dark brown cloak was draped over his shoulders; its hood was down for the moment. It was wrapped around its wearer so to obscure his left side, a blade was definitely concealed within. His clothes were common enough, if a bit on the heavier side. A leather vest was worn overtop a cloth shirt and a sturdy pair of trousers. He put a hand on his clean shaven jaw and looked at Tris for a moment, as if sizing him up for a moment. A pair of brown eyes stared out from under thin brows furrowed in a somewhat intimidating manner met Tris’s for a moment as the man asked almost menacingly, “You don’t work here, do you?”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 11:49 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 2 2005, 04:32 AM)

Tris looked up in surprise, more at the rudeness than at the question. "No, not at the moment..."

Then his mouth dropped open.

"You're going to have to work on the way you stand. You still look like... I think it's the way you hold your shoulders."

He pulled himself higher in his seat, to look more closely. "I can't tell, even when I know. You're, you're really quite handsome. Please tell me you didn't really shave."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 11:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 04:31 AM)

"Surely this isn't as hard as when you couldn't tell her mind from yours," Allerleirauh said quietly. "Steady, Loranna. Is that the plan, then?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 11:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 05:41 AM)

"Surely this isn't as hard as when you couldn't tell her mind from yours," Allerleirauh said quietly. "Steady, Loranna. Is that the plan, then?"

Loranna steadies herself, and she frowns.

" ... No; I'm ..." she says, rubbing her eyes. "We all are to head to Suran; the Armigers she mentioned specifically because ... I think because they're also somehow involved in this destiny."

Loranna sighs. " ... She wants me in their midst though, when whatever awaits happens. But why, I don't yet know."

" ... Better tell Lord Dres and the others we just had a major shift in plan," she says quietly. "We'll ... just say that the Incarnate has sensed something that requires her in Suran and go from there ..."

Posted by: Solin Jan 2 2005, 12:01 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 03:39 AM)

Ciel dropped his shoulders a little bit and scratched his chin. "I was trying to be vain," he said with a smile, "Not slothful, my apologies."

The knight mocked preened himself at Tris's complement and returned, "Thank you, you're not so bad yourself for someone who doesn't working here."

He laughed and then continued, "Yes, I suppose I still walk about like a swordsman." His left hand let go of the cloak and revealed his sword, hanging in its scabbard, belted to his waist.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 2 2005, 12:10 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 05:48 AM)

" ... Better tell Lord Dres and the others we just had a major shift in plan," she says quietly. "We'll ... just say that the Incarnate has sensed something that requires her in Suran and go from there ..."

"Suran it is. I'll inform the others of the new plan. Oh, and you're the 'Incarnate Mother'; no on will dare ask why."

He turns and leaves the room.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 12:13 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 2 2005, 04:51 AM)

"Yeah, you do," Tris said. He stood up, using both hands to rise and taking a moment to balance himself. The leg was very uncomfortable but he'd been told it would get better in time. "I could pick your silhouette out at a hundred paces. Let's hope no one else can. I have to do this, if you don't mind..."

He ran his hand over Ciel's face, eyes closed. Yes, the beard was really gone. He was going to miss it.

"I want someday to be ourselves again," he said. "Let's go. If we reach the Mages's Guild at the right moment, we can beat the line of people leaving after the holiday."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 12:17 PM

Loranna watches Aricyn leave, then turns to look at Allie, her ever-shifting eyes showing some fear ...

However, she sets her jaw and says " ... You and Arynel may be needing to castigate me once again soon, depending on how this plays out. Whatever happens though ... I'm not giving up hope for that bright future. Good luck, in everything that's waiting for us."

Loranna cracks her neck, and adds " ... We make our preperations, then maybe you sing for Sen-Yedda again, before the coming crisis?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 12:24 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 05:07 AM)

"I will sing now," Allerleirauh said. "As I recall, Aricyn had strong words for you the last time his 'goddess' tried to help with packing."

She opened her throat; the song was more hymn than lullaby. Again, the words were strange, in a language that seemed almost familiar when it struck the ear, then stranger and stranger, the more you tried to grasp it.

Within Loranna's womb, Sen-Yedda squirmed, making her presence known.

"Dance, Vehk's little girl," Allie said, laughing. "Soon she'll be big enough to kick you in the ribs."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 12:27 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 06:14 AM)

Despite the cold feeling in her heart, Loranna can't help but laugh a little.

"Perhaps she'll dance out of the womb when she's born, and my poor ribcage will just fall apart from her scintelating steps," she says, grinning. "Painful as that sounds that wouldn't be such a bad way to die ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 2 2005, 12:29 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 05:17 AM)

Are you born knowing how to Move Like This, little one?

"Grim," Allerleirauh said. "But funny. Perhaps you really are a Nord."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 2 2005, 12:33 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 2 2005, 06:19 AM)

Are you born knowing how to Move Like This, little one?

"Grim," Allerleirauh said. "But funny. Perhaps you really are a Nord."

Loranna snorts. "There are days when I wonder if I was even a human to begin with," she says. "But thanks."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 2 2005, 12:34 PM

The time in-between time…

Dur’el and Left Hands fight continues with Left Hand getting the best of the fight. Dur’el stands back in a defensive stance, as Left Hand advances.

Dur’el and Left Hand leap towards each other at the same time and collide in a clash of color, as they have a shoving match with swords.

Left Hand easily wins.

Dur’el retreats back a few steps and catches his breath, while his Shehai leaves an opal, light trail that casts dismal, shadows on the handsome, Redguard’s features.

Left Hand suddenly advances moving insanely, fast. Before Dur’el can react he slashes Dur’el across his left shoulder leaving a gash, with a flick of his wrist Dur’el’s right shoulder is bleeding, and with a spin both of Dur’el’s thighs are cut open.

Left Hand retreats as Dur’el stumbles back in shock.

Damn it, he’s playing with me. He could have killed me. Dur’el reflects to himself.

“I’m sorry, was I moving too fast for you?” A mocking voice says from Left Hand’s mask.

Cocky bastard, sounds just like me. Dur’el thinks eerily.

“Nah, I’m just getting started.” Dur’el says standing up, showing that the cuts don’t faze him.

“Really?” Left Hand says, eyeing Dur’el under his mask like a cat chasing a three legged mouse.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 2 2005, 12:51 PM

The time in-between time…

The battle raged on, between Dur’el and Left Hand and the span of minutes seemed like hours. Parries, and deflects lighted the darkened, area with a mix of opal and navy fireworks.

Left Hand stands a few feet in front of Dur’el, sword at his side, looking as fresh as a First Seed Kwama egg.

While Dur’el on the other hand looks tired, and defeated.

“It’s time to end this game… brother. I’ll remember to have this much fun with my next kill in the future.” Left Hand says advancing.

“Kid,” Dur’el says with a smirk. “You don’t have a future.”

Dur’el charges Left Hand with his Shehai raised high, in his right hand. Left Hand instinctively sidesteps to his left to dodge the oncoming blow. Dur’el smiles and shifts his weight to his left foot, and spins around to his left, extending his left arm out. While his left arm is out, another Shehai forms in his left hand. Dur’el completes the circle and his left sword slices Left Hands armor, going through it, deep, and cutting him across the chest.

Left Hand yells and jumps back, more in surprise then pain.

“One thing I forgot to mention,” Dur’el says flashing his famous smile. “I duel wield.”

“Treacherous bastard!” Left Hand roars.

“Oh, I’m sorry, was I moving too fast for you?” Dur’el replies cockily.

Dur’el looks over Left Hands shoulder and he thinks he sees Kasha...

Posted by: w0nders Jan 2 2005, 01:15 PM

Ald'Ruhn
Inzoliah and Brum quickly left the city walls of Ald'Ruhn, not wanting anyone to get too good a look of them. Not to far out of the city the two sat down on a nearby hill, "Good work genious, we're wanted criminals now" She snarled, nudging Brum in the ribs, "What did you expect me to do? that little fetcher was going to cut me" He stated apoligenically, Inzoliah merely turned her nose up and crossed her legs.

Meanwhile, in Vivec, Merciander had sent out a telepathic message to Inzoliah, stating Inzoliah, we have some important news to share, make sure you pass it on to Brum, we have recently made an alliance with people known as Maranda and another known as Shardie, also becoming acquainted with another, Teneran. We have agreed to help their cause of trying to capture a woman known as Loranna, Azura Incarnate, we believe the heathen is travelling with her, we have received word that she will next be stopping over in Vivec so we need you and Brum over here as quickly as possible.

Inzoliah's eyes snapped open at this information, "Brum, we are heading to Vivec, quickly, gather yourself so we can head out" She ordered, standing to her feet and heading down the long ashen road, Brum, not too far behind her.

Posted by: Meridia Jan 2 2005, 03:26 PM

Ebonheart...

'So, that is what happened at Ghostgate...' finished 'he-who-hunts-elves'
'Interesting... more potential allies appear... as more enemies unveil themselves... this madness has to end... the Evening Star has changed to the Morning, Dusk into Dawn... and time is almost up... whilst Azura sits there, time for our world runs out...' Maranda said painfuly, 'only three months to go now... Shardie, go back to Vivec, and retrieve the Moon Riever Sword, I have to go... meet someone...'
'Very well, Maranda, I shall regain this weapon for you,' she said, struggling to keep the delight from her face... this was the best chance she had... and she would take it then and there...
Maranda stood up and left, as Shardie scurried off to find a boat to Vivec... her mission, it seemed was drawing to a close...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 2 2005, 03:59 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 05:17 AM)

"Perhaps she'll dance out of the womb when she's born, and my poor ribcage will just fall apart from her scintelating steps," she says, grinning."

As Loranna says this, Dagoth, while not fully concentrating on hearing what she said, gets the darkest feeling of forboding he has ever faced. '[no, I must not let that happen...... *sigh*]' Course, he doesn't intentionally let her know that he felt this, or even heard ANYTHING she said in her head. '[Must make sure to erase that thought for now.]'

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 04:31 PM

*Erenius left his little home in the sea of pilgrims and made his way to the carts, noting a slight smell of rot and decay, even amongst his newly bought supplies*

"Guess this is what you get for staying here in this damned wilderness with ash-storms and volcanic heat," he mutters, carefully removing the crates of food that werent rotten, placing a sign above them stating that this was the only good food and would have to be rationed until further notice.

*With that, Erenius looks about, noting the suprise on the faces of the Dunmer nearby*

"Don't worry, 'tis only temporary till we reach out next stop and pick more supplies there!" he shouts, calming a goodly number of them.

*He quickly finished counting the boxes remaining, but a total of 200 or so crates remained, of just over two thousand to start...*

"I cant believe we will be cutting the rations of everybody, no matter their need," Erenius mutters. "By a full tenth, sparing none the ration."

*With this grave news he hangs his head and makes his way towards wherever Loranna currently is*

"I cant believe I've let this happen," he murmurs, frustrated with whatever caused the foodstuffs to rot.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 04:52 PM

*Azure slept well again after failing to find the Breton mage from earlier events*

"Maybe this day I shall find them," he says, optimistic he would find him today. "But where to find him? That is an issue I figure there would be little help form the others..."

"You looking for that Breton mage, also a Telvanni?" an elderly and obviously senile Dunmer replies. "I think I saw a Breton, or was it a Nord?...can't remember, but regardless, where was I? AH yes...the rat went east."

*Azure takes this odd tidbit of information, thanks the Dunmer and prepares to leaev*

"And bring me back that rat, or was it a guar?" the Dunmer shouts. "Just bring me back that critter's fancy staff and robes, vermin have no use for it."

*So it is that Azure wanders east, going towards something or other, hopefully the Breton mage, and it better not be the rat, guar, or Nord the Dunmer believed he saw also go in that direction with mages robes and a fancy staff*

Posted by: Nalion Jan 2 2005, 05:30 PM

Nalion sits at the little creek at the very south-eastern edge of the grazelands. His arms fold around his knees. He had cleaned himself as best as he could, washing the ash from face and body. Still, some half healed bruises can be seen on his arms and forehead. His ragged blue robe was half torn and the colour was faded. Though his outward appearance was shabby, dirty and poor, he felt purified.

The bridges to his past had been torn down. By his exhausting journey, he had gained new strength. He was free now, free to pursue his own path, without having to pay attention to politics like he would have to when he stayed with the Telvanni. Free now, for he had had the last but necessary words with Lirielle's apparition.

Nalion unconsciously touches the ring on his finger, then smiled.
"Thank you Lirielle, for everything." he whispered.
His eyes gaze into the distance, unfocused.

The Breton mage draws his dagger and the world surrounding him grows more intense. He could feel the grass growing under his feet, hear a guar sniffing at some plants, taste the sweet savour of the hackle-lo leaves he had eaten recently, smell the faint odour of comberries and whickwheat... and he could feel someone approaching.

Not bothering to turn, he waits.

Posted by: B Jan 2 2005, 05:41 PM

B took out his journal and began to write to Allerleirauh:

I have awoken from my slumber.

My strength is slowly returning, and I will be well enough for travel by sundown.

~B

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 05:45 PM

*Azure continued walking along the path eastward till he came across Nal*

"Hello there, Nalion," Azure says. "Your reasons for being away from the party are what? I would have thought you being there, helping those as you did in Skyrim..."

Posted by: Nalion Jan 2 2005, 05:54 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 2 2005, 04:35 PM)

"Welcome Azure!" Nalion slowly rises, then turns to face him. "Of all those that might have come here, you are the one I least expected. I thought you wanted to buy a little piece of land somewhere far away and settle down?"
Ignoring Azure's question why Nalion left the party, the mage continues.
"I will follow the party in due time. I hope to catch up with them in Vivec. They are en route to Vivec, aren't they?"

Posted by: Anghardel67 Jan 2 2005, 05:55 PM

One ill-placed step--so quickly placed to get out of the section of sewer he felt trapped in--one step and he was down. Azrael, tripping over something, suddenly found himself face down in a grotesque puddle, at the end of this despicable sewer line. One hand sliding forward, lifting the ashen body off the ground, the other stroking his face, wiping away the sickening taste, he stood up. "Absolutely disgusting; majestic city indeed. . ." the dunmer muttered, facing forward, after squeezing the liquid from his robe. A large pillar stood erect in front of him, a door behind it--the wood had an ancient look to it, though it seemed as though it had been recently used, he thought, noting cobwebs recently brushed from the handle. Thinking of nothing in particular, apart from putting distance between himself and the slop behind his person, Azrael turned a decorative knob, and pushed forward on the squeaky material. . .

As the hinges creaked, a beautiful room was revealed to deep, alert eyes; this place was majestic, and Azrael figured that any notion of the city being as such was brushed completely away by this awe-inspiring chamber. As his gaze scanned over the room, taking in every sparkling detail, his ears perked at a voice suddenly breaking the silence.

"Shht, Briaata' knows you are here. She sees this door open. Come through, and let her spy your face; Briaata' will kill you if you try to leave now."

If the name had not been shared, the voice of the Khajiit standing opposite Azrael would have been familiar; it was Briaata', the very mer that this tired Dunmer had spent so long searching for that day. "Briaata'," Azrael exclaimed, as quickly as she had spoken to him, "There is no need for this, you know who I am." And, with his finishing breath, he stepped into the room, closing the heavy entrance, and staring into the beastly eyes under a Mages' guild issue cloak. He heard a slight sniffing noise, and knew that Briaata was testing the air he had brought in with him, trying his scent against that which was imprinted on her memory. Azrael's hopes of recognition were confirmed with the lowering of the Cathay-Rhat's hood. Her face twitched, and he was sure she would have tried to smile, if she was afforded the ability; with a slow prancing motion, two fuzzy feet carried a tall, agile body towards him.

"Azrael,". . .pausing, she looked him over for a moment, as if to try and determine his purpose for being in this place, "What are you doing, tracking after Briaata' like this?"

The Dunmer began to suspect that there was now much more to this than he supposed when entering the room. "Briaata', what are you doing in this place?" Azrael inquired, "There is a young Nord boy in your room at the guild hall, and I have been searching for you for so long now."

Ang

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 06:01 PM

*Azure takes a seat beside Nal*

"I would have no idea," Azure says. "But I do plan on getting some land in High Rock, but not now. Instead, I went searching for a way to help the Queen should it be necessary. Of course she refused my offer, so I hid aboard ship as a stowaway of sorts for the trip here. Got off at Vivec, took a strider, got attacked though. I laid asleep for about two or three days before a Breton and Altmer helped me get supplies and sent me to Ghostgate. Then some senile old guy who thought you a guar, or rat, or something said you went this way. I followed, and here I am."

"I thought you were going to take leave after the cave also, but I guess I was wrong."

Posted by: Nalion Jan 2 2005, 06:19 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 2 2005, 04:51 PM)

"You've been messing with politics? With Elysana? No, no politics for me anymore. I'm glad you lived through the ambush. They even attack silt striders now?"
Nalion takes a place on the ground, face to face with Azure.
"Hmm, so someone saw me on my journey, and he called me a rat or guar? Well, judging after my looks then, I was looking closer to a rat than a Breton. Not that I cared at that moment. " Nalion looks down at himself. "Well, I guess that hasn't improved much." He chuckled.

"And you say you were at the Ghostgate? How is the party around that Incarnate faring? Do they still sit there and build her temple?" Nalion frowned and shook his head.

Posted by: Tholer_Saryoni Jan 2 2005, 06:50 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 2 2005, 05:48 AM)

"You may put your trust in us," Maltne said, "I personally know every Armiger here, some for years on end. They are not spies but loyal to Vivec. I am afraid the trip will largely be an uneventful one, for we will lead you through those paths which are unknown to most. We can head out as soon as you are ready." The Captain bowed low and went to muster his Armigers.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 07:31 PM

*Azure took the news in, and just realized that the Towers of Dawn and Dusk had in fact had a change to them*

"I have no idea, but I think its mostly interior work now," Azure says. "And yes, it does seem all are faring well, both the commoners and those staying from the Skyrim trek."

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 07:41 PM

*Erenius looked over his copy of the census of sorts he took of the population following Loranna*

"Looks like I have no choice," he mutters. "I either give 1/10th rations to all, or give standard rations to the elderly and children, and cut the rations for the rest to 1/20th of their normal consumption...which I want not to do."

*Erenius sighs, realizing that even that may not help*

"Damn these storms, the heat at our location," Erenius says. "And much as I hate to say it, damn Loranna for not seeing an urgency to keep on moving."

*Erenius looks at the list again, making notes on a seperate sheet of paper, trying to figure out just who should stay, and whom should go...*

"If I cut the families with the very young, those under 7 or 8 years of age, and the very old, by Dunmer standards...that being, what, 95, 100 years? I don't even know," Erenius mumbles. "Even if I cut all of those people, and their families from this, I still cant get enough people to leave, even temporarily, to get the party half-rations...with the rest of us taking food at about 1/5th of what we should be..."

*Erenius sighs again, unable to continue*

"What have I done?" he asks. "I did what I could, but even that isnt going to be enough..."

*With that, Erenius draws up a final plan to give everyone quarter their usual allotment, while having those of the party taking but a tenth or so of their usual meals*

"I think I got it all straightened out..despite this lasting but two days tops..." Erenius muses. "I gotta talk with Lord Gaor soon as possible about him sending the food up here within the next two days immediately."

Posted by: Nalion Jan 2 2005, 07:55 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 2 2005, 06:21 PM)

"I still wonder why you sought me out firsthand." Nalion asks curiously.
"Whatever it is, I believe I should return to the Ghostgate soon. Besides, I need some clean clothes." Nalion tugs at his robe.
"Do you wish to accompany me back? I have a recall point set to Ghostgate. How about you? If you don't have any, I could offer assistance."
Nalion rises, awaiting Azure's answer.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 08:01 PM

*Azure stands*

"Sure, but I'll just walk," Azure says. "And if you must know, I saw no others from previous events at the camp, so I thought I'd seek someone out, if only to announce a presence."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 2 2005, 08:17 PM

Silently, at the edge of the camp, away from inquiring eyes, Arynel began his work.

The Breton took hold of an old dead tree, and ripped off a shriveld branch.

He dug the tip of the stick into the dust, and began to trace out figures in the ash.

Below me is the savage, which we needed to remove ourselves from the Altmer.

Above me is a challenge, which bathes itself in fire and the essence of a god.

Through me you are desired, unlike the prophets that have borne your name before.

Six are the walking ways, from enigma to enemy to teacher.

He tossed the stick aside, and silently returned to the camp.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 09:31 PM

QUOTE(B @ Jan 2 2005, 11:31 AM)

B took out his journal and began to write to Allerleirauh:

I have awoken from my slumber.

My strength is slowly returning, and I will be well enough for travel by sundown.

~B

There is a knock on his door, and Loremaster Celarus enters. He is not smiling.

'You are doing better, I see. Responding well to the herbs and healing spells, that's good,' he said, and removed a small gem from his pocket. 'I have something to return to a friend of yours, and a message for her about it. But I would like it if you could explain yourself to my satisfaction. Your actions seem to me, at the very best, impulsive and irresponsible.'

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 09:49 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 2 2005, 01:31 PM)

"I think I got it all straightened out..despite this lasting but two days tops..." Erenius muses. "I gotta talk with Lord Gaor soon as possible about him sending the food up here within the next two days immediately."

Lord Dres Gaor in conversation with one of his knights passes Lord Erenius, and bows to him.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 09:53 PM

*Erenius stands up and nods to Dres*

"I need to speak with you about the shipments," Erenius says, quite tired from his work despite it just starting to become mid-morning.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 10:00 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 2 2005, 03:43 PM)

*Erenius stands up and nods to Dres*

"I need to speak with you about the shipments," Erenius says, quite tired from his work despite it just starting to become mid-morning.

"Of course," said Lord Dres Gaor. "I have been informed that half my crops should be arriving here tomorrow morning. Afternoon at the latest. The others are in Ebonheart, where they will remain until we can arrange a distraction in Seyda Neen so they can be safely brought in to Pelegiad.'

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 10:04 PM

"Very well then," Erenius mutters as he walks towards his now empty carts and the 200 crates of food piled against one of the now derelict pylons used to power the Ghostfence. "Seems like the heat, critters and ash has gotten the better of our food...and the Ghostgate hostel has far from enough food to feed everyone."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 10:13 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 2 2005, 03:54 PM)

"I only spoke of the shipments I've arranged,' said the Dres nobleman. 'Three other of my brothers in my House have pledged their crops to Azura, and are sending their shipments in as well. If we can survive for the next day or two, there should be plenty enough for all. Provided, of course, that they can learn to be self-sustaining at the Temple, raising kwama perhaps and any crops that can be grown in this desolate place.'

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 10:19 PM

"That should work...there is an abandoned glass mine along a path of the mountain...if we could bring a queen there, then it would be a very good egg mine," Erenius replies. "I do thank you for sending the shipments again..."

*Erenius stops and looks about for a moment before continuing*

"Now, there is a second pressing issue..." he continues in a hushed voice. "Someone apparently has taken all the donations given so far...I heard rumors but when I went to the temple and looked about, the table with the filled jars and the basket for current donations was missing..."

Posted by: Nalion Jan 2 2005, 10:27 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 2 2005, 06:51 PM)

*Azure stands*

"Sure, but I'll just walk," Azure says. "And if you must know, I saw no others from previous events at the camp, so I thought I'd seek someone out, if only to announce a presence."

"As you wish, Azure. I will see you at the Ghostgate."
Nalion straightens his ragged robe, then closes his eyes. He concentrates and moves his hand slightly.

The recall spell took him back to Ghostgate. Gazing across the crowd, he took in the scenery before him. He shook his head, then proceeded into Ghostgate to buy new clothing.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 10:28 PM

*Azure watched as Nalion disappeared and continued on his way walking to Ghostgate*

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 10:30 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 2 2005, 04:09 PM)

'Not at all. I understand that the Goddess plans to start her pilgrimage again tomorrow, so the crops that are coming in can be stored for the journey, and the remainder left behind to support the worshippers who are staying here to sustain the Temple itself. I assume there will be some scouts sent ahead along the journey to procure shelter for the pilgrims?'

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 2 2005, 04:09 PM)

*Erenius stops and looks about for a moment before continuing*

"Now, there is a second pressing issue..." he continues in a hushed voice. "Someone apparently has taken all the donations given so far...I heard rumors but when I went to the temple and looked about, the table with the filled jars and the basket for current donations was missing..."

'That is worse than thievery,' said Lord Dres Gaor, scowling. 'It is sacrilege to take from the Goddess. We will scour the camp until the culprit is found and punished. The Goddess is preaching benevolence, but woe befall him who is responsible. The people will want blood, and I do not blame them.'

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 2 2005, 10:40 PM

*Erenius nods*

"When you find that person, let me know...but only after speaking with the Goddess about this," Erenius says. "I have a punishment planned, but I doubt it would be acceptable to her if the thief is someone close..."

*Erenius pauses before continuing*

"I thank you, Lord Dres Gaor, and I am sure the rest here thank you. You may continue with whatever duties you have," Erenius says as he turns about and simply stares at the moutain.

"Had the Nerevarine never come and slain the Ash creatures upon these slopes, much of this may never have happened..." Erenius mutters to himself as he looks over the camp, still oblivious to the various happenings around.

"Best speak with Loranna now about all of this before spreading a panic," Erenius says as he meanders towards Loranna's last position.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 10:53 PM

While many of Lord Dres Gaor's men were well-known and carried with them the emblems of their House, many more were hidden away, in cloaks and common clothes, among the worshippers, the guards, the artisans, the entertainers, the slaves. He quietly sent out word that the thief must be found. If it could be done without injury to any, that would be preferable, but a sizeable reward would be given to any who found the guilty party -- regardless of what happened to the thief thereafter.

He also sent word that he needed to speak with Lord Liris.

He also had to procure a ship and some fine plague victim actors and send men to Seyda Neen to insense the crowd, in a reasonable way, to incite fear but not panic ... The day was looking to be a busy one.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 2 2005, 11:16 PM

ooc: Since this thread is 200 posts +, we should probably start a new one, and get this 'un locked.