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

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 12:57 PM

The procession is still in Suran. Loranna is currently meeting with the Queen of Wayrest, who speaks to the Incarnate under an assumed name. Tris and Ciel find themselves confronted by Leseth. Kasha, Dur'el, and Allimar discuss their recent escapade.

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 Twenty One begins ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 9 2005, 01:01 PM

ooc summary:

Allerleirauh, after an interesting tryst with the Khajiit Dres Knight Jazbet, is minding her own business in the encampment in Suran.

Mirea, after reporting to the General, has returned to the House of Earthly Delights.

Tris is finding his arrival in Suran did not go unnoticed; he and Ciel are staying at what used to be the Slave Market House.

Doll is struggling through Vvardenfell with the freed slaves, under the command of the Khajiit Urjora.

Dragon and Skein remain at Solunastra, the Void Ranger Guild House in Daggerfall.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 9 2005, 01:06 PM

UPDATE

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, is in audience with Loranna, and it seems to be going really awfully well. She has been introduced as a noblewoman of High Rock, who is perhaps over-inquisitive about the particulars of Loranna's plans, and how one goes about worshipping her.

Bosriel, the dark little girl, the Void Vampire, is feeding on the sick in the camp, trying to assuage her fear that the presence of Ciel and Tris in Suran will mean her freedom's loss when the Queen finds out they live.

Jazbet, the Khajiit Dres Knight, is finishing his morning swim, and is making his way back to camp from the river.

Posted by: Solin Jan 9 2005, 01:10 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 04:42 AM)

Leseth slowly turned his head and looked the silver blade up and down, an expression on his face like one holding a day old kitten that hisses, fiercely but inaudibly.

"I told you to be a farmer, to settle down, to be happy, and yet you come here. Your actions, Tris, effect others. When will you learn that?

"The queen herself is here, and you are here. I spared two lives once, one for brotherhood, and one for love, and yet you are like moths to the queen's flame.

"A girl's soul hangs in the balance, Tris Gaerington. An ancient, yet very young and innocent girl. Her fate rests on the happiness of the queen, and so I care that the queen is happy... for now.

"You seem intent on making her unhappy, as her finding that the two of you still live most assuredly would. Perhaps I made a mistake in sparing you."

Ciel lowers the blade slowly letting its point come to rest on the floor. Resting both hands on the pommel without puting any weight on the blade he frowned.

The Queen? Ciel's eyebrows were arched in disbelief. It is a reason.

"What is she doing here? What girl?" he echoed.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 01:13 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 9 2005, 06:51 AM)

The Queen - here?

A girl?

He said Perhaps. He said perhaps, and we are still standing.

"You didn't kill us," Tris said softly. "You didn't kill us, and for better or worse, we are what we are. I don't understand. What girl? A girl in the power of the queen?"

(SURAN, HOUSE OF THE SLAVE TRADER:)

Leseth's small, red eyes looked at both men before him. One smelled of fear and hope, the other of defiance and anger.

"Does it matter to either of you what girl? She walks the Void, and so she is worthy of my attention, and above you both, yet she does not belong there. Why I act is not your concern, but I would see her freed.

Not a muscle moved beneath the black cloak.

"Perhaps you take comfort in the fact that you are not already dead. That is only my unwillingness to admit my mistake in letting you live. I do not lightly undo what I have done.

"Tell me why I was not mistaken."

Posted by: Aki Jan 9 2005, 01:13 PM

Summary
Reichi, The Dunmeri Werewolf has returned to Suran after a confrontation with some Vampire in Bal Ur. He currently wondering around the streets, doing stuff. Drawing odd glances from beast races who can still smell the stench of blood on him even after washing off in a lake.

Dar'var the Khajiit and former Werewolf hunter is travelling with Doll and the Slaves towards Ebonheart

Tarenen and the Werewolf Hunters meanwhile, continue their plans to kill everyone with Loranna of any importance.
------------------------------------------------------
Hunter Camp, Road north of Vivec, near the Hawia Mine...

"So, your certain its possible?" Tarenen asked the mage skilled with necromancy.

"So long as he is undead, he still has enough unlife to perform the ritual and the transformation..." The mage replied.

"Excellent. Where is the runt?"

"Performing the ritual now, the mage still with mysticism is watching him. He is ready to teleport him to the Spy's mark."

"Ah, Excellent." he grinned. "Hircine must be pleased with all this hunting going on."

"Indeed Sir. The wild Hunt is one of the most incredible hunts."

Taren walked off to rest, Bragor would never have done this if he was alive. He was too big a coward. "At least he is finally of some use."

Meanwhile, in the tent where the now undead Bragor performed the eldery mystic watched. Ready to teleport Bragor at the first sign of transformation. Waiting too long would be dangerous. Bragor finished the ritual, as the mystic saw the first hint of Bragor's skin becoming black he teleported the bosmer safely away.
Suran, bottom level of the Guard Tower.

Bragor apeared in the tower. The guards were already slain by the other spy, so Bragor would not be interupted. The 'other spy' was a Ohmes Khajiit, looking very much like a Bosmer, save for his facial tatoos. His name was Raksadda, and Tarenen prefered him over Bragor. while Bragor WAS skilled, he was a coward, and a Bosmer. RakSadda was however, fanatically loyal, and a Khajiit.

Seeing Bragor, he decided to retreat to the safety of the Suran mountains with help from a leviation item. Bragor meanwhile continued to transform, the only task he knew in his undeath had been to complete the ritual. That completed, the Ritual's order took over....

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 01:17 PM

(SURAN, TEMPLE:)

Aricyn stood quietly inside the door of the temple, watching the meeting between Loranna and the Queen. He said nothing.

Awake for once, the old wolf leaned heavily on his thigh.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 01:19 PM

OOC Summary:

Loranna, at the behest of Aricyn, is currently meeting with Queen Elysana, known to her as Lady Farrrine.

===

QUOTE

'Goddess,' said the Queen. 'You asked me what I would ask of you, and then thought it strange that I have questions? I am sorry, I was not trying to be rude. But when told to worship something, is it unreasonable to ask how?'

Perhaps she's insane ... That would be interesting. They think they're worshipping Azura, but it is Sheogorath instead?

Loranna regards Elysana with a moment of almost honest ... not disappointment, not sorrow, but something that seems to almost wish to reach and and show her something ...

"You do not understand, then, Lady Farrine, that Azura's veneration has always been a personal experience, unique to each worshipper?" she asks. "That she asks of her followers only that they engage their full emotions in their devotion, that they offer her all their love and prayers - and that they love themselves as they love her?"

" ... You ask me, how should you worship Azura. I tell you now - the answer to your question lies within your own heart. Love her, and you will know how to offer your prayers to her in a pleasing form."

And that was that, Loranna thinks to herself. That was the truth as it had been revelaed to her thus far ...

"When Azura feels more codified rituals are needed for her veneration, she shall reveal them, Lady Farrine," Loranna finishes. "Until then, look within your own heart, as you look upon the dusk and dawn. Your answer shall be revealed to you as you offer the Goddess your love."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 9 2005, 01:23 PM

Suran, Temple

The Queen sighed, and bowed her head. 'It would seem that all my questions have merely irked you, Goddess. I truly did not mean to cause offense, but it would seem I have. I do, however, have one last question for you, and it is a simple one.'

The question came in her mind before it came to her lips, and it was phrased exactly the same.

'Do you know that the King of Morrowind is planning to crush you and all of your followers?'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 9 2005, 01:25 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 06:03 AM)

"Why don't I just tell you to go home, then? Forget about us, forget about this girl, and go be a farmer, Leseth!"

Tris felt himself moving beyond terror. Either Leseth would kill him or he would not. Either way it was easier to be angry than afraid.

"Did I lose my foot because of some cause of yours that you were too proud to seek the General's help in? I thought I lost it because I was such a fool as to share the secret of the Void with a mortal queen. If the Queen is here, then it's surely to our advantage as much as to yours to avoid her. We have no desire to be her quarry again, so why must we be yours? She doesn't know my face or even my name, unless you told her, and Ciel is in disguise. I know I'm no longer under the General's protection, but we both know the truth of the world. I cannot stand aside any more than you. And Ciel is of the same kind. He came here to set things right."

He had expected to bluster, red-faced, as he usually did when he lost his temper. Instead, he felt strangely clear-headed.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 9 2005, 01:25 PM

ooc: Summary- Dagoth had been speaking with Jazbet, then Loranna, and then Two-tails, and now simple stares across the river, reflecting on his actions and those of others.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 9 2005, 01:30 PM

Summary-

Dante, Recently got a new set of Indoril armour from the temple because they thought he was an Ordinator

Illidan, is somewhere around town, doing something nobody would care to know about.

Corky, is in hiding from the townsfolk.

Merciander, Inzoliah, Brum and Zero, are all in Vivec, awaiting Loranna and the party to arrive.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 01:31 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 9 2005, 07:13 AM)

" ... Yes; I am aware," Loranna says to Elysana. "And I am also aware that there are forces already moving against him."

She closes her eyes for a couple seconds, before saying "And the Goddess's designs in this matter ... shall be made apparent soon enough, Lady Farrine."

Posted by: Solin Jan 9 2005, 01:33 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 9 2005, 05:15 AM)

Ciel raised his blade again. Ready in case Leseth recacted poorly. It was the truth of it. Leseth hadn't given him anything. All he did was try to take. It had been Tris who gave the knight the ability to live again. Ciel desperately wished to be worthy of such. Nine willing he could prove himself.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 9 2005, 01:35 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 07:21 AM)

Soon enough? Does she know it is only a matter of days before his army marches in and obliterates everything and everyone in its path? Can I ask her that, or is that like asking Azura the contents of a box?

'I thank you for your patient audience,' said Lady Farrine / Elysana, with a bow.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 01:41 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 9 2005, 07:25 AM)

Loranna nods to Elysana. And I thank you, Lady Farrine, for at the very least letting me know just how little time I have left ... she thinks to herself - and almost says, but she catches herself in time to say

"You are welcome, Lady Farrine; may the blessings of the Goddess be with you."

Days ... Loranna thinks, forcing herself not to dwell on the import of Elysana's thoughts until the noblewoman is well out of the Temple.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 01:41 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 9 2005, 07:15 AM)

(SURAN, HOUSE OF THE SLAVE TRADER:)

The points of Leseth's long, black ears lowered a bit, but still he did not move.

He did not raise his voice. "Tell me where, Human. Tell me where this farm may be and I shall go there, happily.

"I am aware that you wish to avoid the queen, but you have never been trustworthy. You will fail, and she will notice you.

"The queen has held to her promises, and work which will free the girl progresses. When it is done, the queen's happiness will no longer be my concern, and neither will you. Until then, I give you a choice;

"Leave here. Now.

"If you do not wish to leave, then so be it. I will watch you, every moment, every step. If you step where the queen might see, no one shall see you again.

"Make your choice, both of you."

Posted by: Aki Jan 9 2005, 01:43 PM

Suran's Guard Tower

Bragor, had he been alive, might have experienced excuriating pain, or he may not. The Undead Bosmer's Skin became a glossy black. Then very scaley and reptillian. His face elongated into a more canine shape, like a jackel's head, with scales and two prominent horns. His left arm's fingers became long and whip-like, ending it long claws. His right arm became larger and muscular, with a large bear like paw, ending in large hooked talon like claws. His legs became Digitgrade, and reptilian, like a Argonians. With large claws. Down his back black quills sprouted. Then, he grew a large spiked tail.

The transformation was all but complete...Bragor, some kinda of random fiend beast then began to grow much larger. The massive beast crashed through the door of the Suran Tower, without opening it. The door and a goodly chunk of the stone surrounding it fell over and crushed some random scrib who had been in front of the door. He wasn't a 'Wild Hunt beast' something similar. But the Wild hunt, according to some people, is a mass activity. And dead guys arn't allowed to do it. Poor guys.

Suran, the stair case near the House of Earthly Delights.

Reichi gazed at the horrific creature. He drew his Stalhrim dagger and a scroll of soultrap. He may not have known WHAT the critter was. But he bet it had a hell of a soul value. That, and that it was very very deadly looking.

Posted by: Solin Jan 9 2005, 01:45 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 05:31 AM)

"Fate it seems has drawn it all back together," Ciel said with a glance to Tris. "Despite being torn apart. I stay."

He sheathed his blade and returned to the corner seat.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 9 2005, 01:46 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 07:31 AM)

The Queen of Wayrest bowed again and left the Temple. She opened her cloak on leaving, and tapped on her belt, instinctively imitating Liris's habit.

'I must check on Herwyn, the injured battlemage,' she said to Liris, simply. 'Meet me back at the Inn this afternoon, and we'll discuss the plans for moving forward.'

Elysana set off through Suran towards the House of Earthly Pleasures, thinking to herself and herself alone whether the Cult of Loranna-Azura was still a prudent investment.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 9 2005, 01:48 PM

The note reads...

If you find this note it means you have escaped my time- rending prison. I believe it is in my duty to tell you the events that led to your escape.

My eyes were shown the evil web Molag was spinning, and I kept you alive to best him. But in keeping you alive, was I not controlling your fate, and not letting it be? As a God, I know Fate is a fragile thing if you constrict it for too long, it breaks. Sometimes bad things happen to good people, and evil sometimes wins over good. Knowing this, I finally decided to end the loop and speed up, then close, the time abnormality, that was bothering your fate. The winner would be decided in the last confrontation you had, whether it was the right one, or not. Know this, Time does not wait for the weak, and a God’s patience is only so long.

So congratulations to you and pray for the other, that has to spend the rest of their life in that cursed plain.
-------------------------------------
Dur’el slowly hands the letter to Kasha. “I found it in my backpack, which is weird because I didn’t put it there.” Allimar squeaks.

“So, when where you going to tell us about this letter... on your deathbed?” Dur’el asks.

Allimar pouts. “I was waiting for the right time.”

“Well this is a great time, huh?” Dur’el snaps sarcastically, throwing his arms in the air.

Kasha reads the letter and smiles. “So, Akatosh sped up the confrontation. Which actually worked in our favor, because I lived and Dur’el was able to escape.” She nods her head. “Nice.”

“So I guess everything is wrapped up in a nice little package?” Dur’el states more that asks.

“Except for how your over a thousand years old.” Kasha says.

“Yep, everything is wrapped up in a nice little package.” Dur’el says walking off.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 01:51 PM

Once Elysana and Liris are out of the Temple, Loranna turns her eyes to Aricyn.

" ... You first, or me ..." she asks quietly.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 9 2005, 01:51 PM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 9 2005, 06:35 AM)

"Fate it seems has drawn it all back together," Ciel said with a glance to Tris. "Despite being torn apart. I stay."

He sheathed his blade and returned to the corner seat.

"Then you know my answer too," Tris said.

"Please, Leseth... I may not be to your taste, but I was to hers once. I am a good ally. And I bear you no malice. Don't... don't strike without warning. There are always more than two possible answers."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 01:58 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 9 2005, 07:41 AM)

(SURAN, HOUSE OF THE SLAVE TRADER:)

"I have already given you warning. You stay... both of you, and I watch. Remember, Tris Gaerington, even though you no longer walk the Void, your actions affect others, always. Fate has no part in the Void, Ciel Dolbinen."

There is a deep thrumming in both men's ears, and Leseth is gone. The room seems suddenly flooded with the afternoon sun.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 9 2005, 02:01 PM

The Void

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 07:48 AM)

There is a deep thrumming in both men's ears, and Leseth is gone. The room seems suddenly flooded with the afternoon sun.

Bosriel joined Leseth. He could tell by the mildness in her eyes, and the redness of her lips that she had fed recently and well.

'I have not lost sight of the Queen,' the Void Vampire says. 'She is moving through the town, there, towards the Inn ...'

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 9 2005, 02:04 PM

The time in-between time...

Left Hand sits in the rainy, unforgiving land, next to the tree Dur’el ran through to escape, staring at it, and waiting futilely for another chance to leave. Here is this land, Left Hand, one of the deadliest assassins in Nirn, is now just as harmless as a newborn kitten.

Deep in Oblivion Molag Bal tastes the pungent, sour flavor of defeat.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 02:11 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 9 2005, 07:51 AM)

The Void
Bosriel joined Leseth. He could tell by the mildness in her eyes, and the redness of her lips that she had fed recently and well.

'I have not lost sight of the Queen,' the Void Vampire says. 'She is moving through the town, there, towards the Inn ...'

(THE VOID:)

Leseth petted Bosriel's cold forehead tenderly.

"Good. I hope that I was as successful in my endeavors.

"Let us stay close to the queen."

Posted by: Aki Jan 9 2005, 02:28 PM

As no one seemed to be doing anything to stop the monster. It looked about curiously, then preceeded to run into the biggest crowd of people and start killing anything that moved move. Knocking over some stalls, and sending some 'fruit' carts flying in the process.

Reichi crept close to the beast then jumped on it and began stabbing at it repeatly. At first the blade did little more than bounce of the beasts hide. However was begining to get through.

Then of course, the beast noticed Reichi was on it and smacked him off. With a Tuna it procured from a Stall.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 02:43 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 07:41 AM)

Once Elysana and Liris are out of the Temple, Loranna turns her eyes to Aricyn.

" ... You first, or me ..." she asks quietly.

From inside the temple, the commotion outside sounded like the usual noise produced by the travelling carnival of Azura's followers.

"Please, Great Incarnate Mother, speak your mind."

The queen gone, the old wolf finally lay down for an afternoon nap.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 02:50 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 08:33 AM)

Loranna opens her mouth to speak when she hears the mental screams of the dying; a look of fury crosses her face briefly ...

Those outside hear the Incarnate's voice echo in their minds: Rude creature, get thee down! Harm not the followers of the Incarnate!

The undead monster causing havoc hears a mental scream tear through its rotting brain, causing grey matter to melt out from its ears and undead nerves to scramble; surely this would negatively impact its day ...

Back in the temple, Loranna's face droops. " ... By that woman's information, we have but days before Helseth arrives ..." she says, looking rather unhappy.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 02:58 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 08:40 AM)

"Does this come as a surprise? Besides, that 'woman' doesn't know as much as she thinks she does.

"I'll let you in on a secret; For reason's that I don't completely understand, a little birdie told me that the Temple itself supports us. That's the Temple. The king, Wind bless him, has actually declared war on them.

"This island is holy ground. It's the land of the Temple, and Helseth has always had trouble keeping it under his thumb. If he comes here now with an army, he'll wish he hadn't.

"No, dear Lady, I might fear assassins, and intrigue, but I do NOT fear thundering armies bearing the banner of Helseth, and neither should you."

Posted by: Aki Jan 9 2005, 03:02 PM

That scream would have stopped a normal creature. But taking the heads off Undead things would occaisonally stop it, as would frying nerves, but not all the time. This was one of those times. The creature seemed to slump down, before being yanked back up by something else. It continued its attacks. However moving more stiffly as if something were puppeteering it rather than moving on its own.

Reichi decided this was a good time as ever to try again, and cast the soultrap spell on the critter. Then jumped it again and began stabbing its open wound with the poisoned dagger again.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 03:03 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 08:48 AM)

Loranna frowns.

"Aricyn, I do know that," she sighs. " ... But it doesn't quite answer the question of how to keep the civilians from getting caught in the crossfire, or what's going to happen now that the Queen of Wayrest's agent there has started wondering if I'm actually the Dam Dog in disguise or something."

Loranna rubs her head. " ... All right; the Temple is definitely our ally and whatever plan Elysana was trying to work through my pilgrimage may or may not still be in effect. We still need to get to Vivec sooner or later and preferably without losing too many civilians ..."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 03:05 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jan 9 2005, 08:52 AM)

It's at that time that Bouyant Armigers, guards, and some very martially-inclined dancing girls all rallied together, having gotten the civilians back, and let the monster know Dunmer don't like undead.

However, Reichi still has dibs on the creature's soul.

Posted by: Aki Jan 9 2005, 03:11 PM

The Monster's head never turned to face the Armigers, guards or dancing girls. It merely lashed out at them with both arms. Reichi meeanwhile, was using his dagger as a means to stay on the creature now. As the movement nearly threw him off. The poison seemed to have little effect on the creature.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 03:15 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 08:53 AM)

"People dying in the service of Azura works just as well, if not better, than people praying to Azura, as far as getting her back to Oblivion, you know.

"The ships that the Armiger's promised us are to arrive before dawn tomorrow. We can all be in Vivec by tomorrow evening, and I could think of less defensible places than ater-surrounded stone towers filled with our best allies. As I said, don't worry... about armies.

"Oh, and 'agent of the Queen'?" Aricyn chuckles. "You should work on your mind reading, Lady. That WAS the Queen, or I'm a netch herder. Could you not tell from her mind?"

He frowned.

"Wait... you couldn't, could you? Nor could you tell from Liris's..."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 9 2005, 03:18 PM

Dagoth, seeing the chaos this creature was causeing, decides to kill it quickly and get it over with.

'Your mind is mine creature!!' And with that he took control of it's undead mind. 'Now.... come to me, and face your master's wrath for harming these people.'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 03:18 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 09:05 AM)

"People dying in the service of Azura works just as well, if not better, than people praying to Azura, as far as getting her back to Oblivion, you know.

"The ships that the Armiger's promised us are to arrive before dawn tomorrow. We can all be in Vivec by tomorrow evening, and I could think of less defensible places than ater-surrounded stone towers filled with our best allies. As I said, don't worry... about armies.

"Oh, and 'agent of the Queen'?" Aricyn chuckles. "You should work on your mind reading, Lady. That WAS the Queen, or I'm a netch herder. Could you not tell from her mind?

He frowned.

"Wait... you couldn't, could you? Nor could you tell from Liris's..."

Loranna shook her head. "Crickets chirping if I tried reaching beyond a certain point," she says, frowning. " ... Though in retrospect it makes sense ... waitaminute, what the heck is the Queen of Wayrest doing here checking on her plans in person?"

" ... Well, now I've met the Queen of Wayrest," Loranna says, her frown turning thoughtful. " ... And she and I both seem to have similar opinions of one another ..."

Posted by: Aki Jan 9 2005, 03:19 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 9 2005, 09:08 AM)

Unfortunatly for Dagoth. Loranna had already melted the poor critter's mind to a goo which was now decorating the streets of Suran.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 03:21 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 09:08 AM)

Aricyn raised his eybrows at Loranna's last statement.

"Well, this is interesting. And I have NO idea why she was here, by the way. I'll see if I can find out.

"I think it's best if you stayed away from the public until we depart, at least as much as possible. There are too many things going on here that I don't understand."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 9 2005, 03:21 PM

'Damn, that usually works.... oh well, I guess eviseration will do.' And with that, Dagoth prepares, and then casts, a spell powerful enough to dissolve the monster into a puddle of goo.

'That should be the end of that problem....'

Posted by: w0nders Jan 9 2005, 03:22 PM

DELETED-

Posted by: Aki Jan 9 2005, 03:24 PM

Reichi cursed loudly as the critter disolved to a puddle of mush, and its soul was captured in his grand soul gem. For he had been ontop of the creature and was now in the puddle of goo.

"....this crap better wash out.." he mumbled, standing. He was covered in the reddish pink goo that was lef tof the monster. "Or else...someone is going to die.."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 03:24 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 09:11 AM)

Loranna says " ... That may be hard, given the ruckus going on outside; people are probably going to want to see the Goddess to have her reassure them things are okay."

She walks closer to Aricyn, her expression softening. " ... Did you just more or less admit things are starting to move beyond what you could foresee?" she asks, a small, playful, friendly smile on her face. "Somehow that means more to me than having met royalty ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 03:26 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 09:14 AM)

Aricyn smiled his charming smile.

"I know where the road leads, Lady, I just might not see the pothole under my foot..."

He paused, flustered.

"By the WIND, I sound like that Breton boy. I need a drink."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 03:32 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 09:16 AM)

Loranna puts a hand on Aricyn's shoulder, shaking her head.

" ... Relax dear; we've all begun to rub off on each other," she tells him. "For all the harm and destruction I've caused, I'm at least happy to have met you and the others."

She pauses for a second, and adds " ... And that's taking into account the fact that you may, if your plans require it, end up leaving me for the dogs eventually. "

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 03:41 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 09:22 AM)

Aricyn looked at her seriously, for once wondering how much of her 'mind reading' was godlike power, and how much was simple intuition.

He kissed her lightly on her dark forehead.

"I promise I won't 'leave you to the dogs'."

He paused, and adjusted her hair, and took his time speaking again.

"Whatever happens, whenever it comes, I'll be there at the end."

His eyes were very grey.

He pulled away, smiled, and turned to the temple door.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 03:45 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 09:31 AM)

" ... Thank you ..."

Loranna watches Aricyn turn, and hears herself saying " ... Wait."

Taking a deep breath, Loranna says " ... I ... I ..."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 03:47 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 09:35 AM)

" ... Thank you ..."

Loranna watches Aricyn turn, and hears herself saying " ... Wait."

Taking a deep breath, Loranna says " ... I ... I ..."

Aricyn stopped in midstride and looked over his shoulder.

The old wolf raised itself and stretched.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 9 2005, 03:51 PM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 09:37 AM)

Aricyn stopped in midstride and looked over his shoulder.

The old wolf raised itself and stretched.

Loranna blinks, her breath catching in her throat for a moment; there were so many things she wanted to say ...

" ... Come here for a minute please," she asks, holding out her hand to Aricyn. "I don't know if this will only hurt you or be taken well but ..."

" ... All I have now are my feelings, so ... I'd let you know mine for you, if you wanted to hear them."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 9 2005, 04:00 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 9 2005, 09:41 AM)

Aricyn stood motionless for a long moment, then continued to the temple door.

He locked its heavy lock, and returned to Loranna.

The old wolf huffed noticably and lay back down. Aricyn dropped his cloak on the opinionated animal as he passed.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 9 2005, 10:33 PM

People were racing through the town, this way and that. Some, horrified, were fleeing away from the direction she was going. Some, excited, were running her way. The Queen of Wayrest continued to move forward, with some caution. Perhaps I should have brought some guards with me, though that might have looked suspicious, she thought.

Elysana stopped in her tracks outside the House of Earthly Delights in time to see the end of the battle, the creature melt into goo.

'What a place this Morrowind is,' she thought, and stepped past, into the Inn.

Posted by: hermit_lurker Jan 10 2005, 03:31 AM

Nyrilla woke from her sleep, and heared some fading screams as well as chatter on the street. She crawled out of bed, put on her undergarments and the bright white House Indoril Robe, and took the redware bowl, wondering where the next well was, so she cozuld wash herself.

The sky was unusually clear, but a strange, faint smell was in the air, something Nyrilla could not make sense of yet.

Then she noticed it. A spider, a larger one, like one would find them on logs in the Ashlands, was sitting just before the bed, staring at her. Mephala's Tear, on it's necklace below her garments, grew warm, and she clutched it.

She has arrived, she thought. The spider turned, inviting her to follow, and walked off to the window.

The Suran Tradehouse stood a bit higher than the part of the ity where the House of Earthly delighty was located, and she could clearly see the plaza before it and the carnage that must have passed only moments ago on it.

What in the name of all Aedra and Daedra just happened there? she wondered. Quickly, she put ont he shells of her Indoril cuirass adn pauldrons, and rushed out, passing many resident who were busy running the opposite direction.

Where had that beast, whose slimy remains were strewn all over the place, come from? She drew her enchanted dagger, but decided against summoning some of Mephala's servants. Not quite opportune in a city. Besides, Spider Daedra were like their mistress - moody and uncontrollable.

She saw a Dunmer, in torn clothes, cowering right in the middle of the remains of that strange monstrosity. Carefully pulling up her robe, wading through the gooey remains, she approached him. "Are you alright? What happened here?" she asked.

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 10 2005, 03:48 AM

Two-Tails walked to his undead friend's side, he had been hiding, he was not afraid to admit that, fighting undead monsters was not his thing

"What was that friend? And how did it get here?!"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 10 2005, 03:51 AM

QUOTE(Two-Tails @ Jan 9 2005, 08:38 PM)

Two-Tails walked to his undead friend's side, he had been hiding, he was not afraid to admit that, fighting undead monsters was not his thing

"What was that friend? And how did it get here?!"

Seeing his bi-tailed, moonsugar addicted friend walk up to him, Dagoth responds, 'Really, I have no idea where it came from, only that it was ugly, undead, and is now a puddle..... thanks to me.'

Posted by: Aki Jan 10 2005, 03:54 AM

Reichi looked to the woman, then Two-tails. "All I know is that it was very angry and didn't seem to want to die..." he said. He was tempted to sink down onto all fours and attempt to shake the goo from him. He didn't find the slimy liquified monster goo all too pleasant. "I DO know that i got its soul however.."

Seeing the Lich, he mumbled a curse about the Lich's blowing the monster up while he was still on it.

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 10 2005, 03:54 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 9 2005, 08:41 PM)

Seeing his bi-tailed, moonsugar addicted friend walk up to him, Dagoth responds, 'Really, I have no idea where it came from, only that it was ugly, undead, and is now a puddle..... thanks to me.'

"Well, what ever it was, you did make a good puddle out of it, Two-Tails will admit that. Maby we can mak something nice from the soul though."
*Motions to Dagoth*
"If our wizard friend will help."

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 10 2005, 03:55 AM

*Ebonheart*
Helseth sat in an extravigant room. Troops from the mainland had been sent for, and were on boats making their way towards Ebonheart. He had also sent a message requesting re-enforcements to the Imperial City. An answer should arrive in a day or two - and hopefully extra troops not far behind. Helseth shouldn't need them, but a very large force would help avoid any bloodshed. It would probably validate Loranna as a threat, but Tholer had already confirmed that she appears to be validated by most already.

Helseth had also sent a message to his Chief Counterspy in Elysana's court, and it should arrive soon. He had heard of that some of Elysana's men were part of Lornna's forces. Her men would have a much better chance of organizing a better defence of Loranna's followers. Helseth sent instructions that would make Elysana think one of her followers there was the spy that had her captured. One of her better tacticians. Liris.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 10 2005, 04:01 AM

QUOTE(Two-Tails @ Jan 9 2005, 08:44 PM)

"Well, what ever it was, you did make a good puddle out of it, Two-Tails will admit that. Maby we can mak something nice from the soul though."
*Motions to Dagoth"
"If our wizard friend will help."

"Let me see it..... maybe I can enchant something useful? Hmm.... very strong soul..... constant effect healing maybe?" Dagoth starts thinking of what to make the soul into.

Posted by: Aki Jan 10 2005, 04:05 AM

Reichi snatched the soul back. "Healing? PPffft...don't go off and come up with something like that. Besides, you need the right item to enchant if you want Constant Effect powers. Can't be wasting this on iron helm or something," he said looking over the gem. " Don't make snap decisions with rare souls."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 10 2005, 04:10 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jan 9 2005, 08:55 PM)

"Don't anger me, I know what I am doing.... here." Dagoth hands Aki an amulet with a high enchanting limit. " That will do. "

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 10 2005, 04:14 AM

"Two-Tails has to agree with Rechi, something so rare should be used with something rare, much more valuable that way. Maby something to disguise the wearer?"
*TT snickers*
"Something Two-Tails can use when he steals it later."

Posted by: Aki Jan 10 2005, 04:15 AM

"....Amulets...make bad Constant Effect items you know? They can EASILY be torn from you. You need something harder, like a piece of armor, a helmet, a bracer, a ring, something that is harder to lose." Reichi said waving the amulet off. "Besides, they move too much. Everything needs to move VERY little when sneaking. Can't have amulets hanging off you.."

He attempted to ignore Two-tails' comment. Maybe he could make it to work like his ring. Or in reverse. Or something entirely different.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 10 2005, 04:18 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jan 9 2005, 09:05 PM)

"My aren't we the picky one? What else do you have that is good enough?"

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 10 2005, 04:22 AM

*Two-Tails removes a beautiful silver, dimond ring from under his cloak*

"Two-Tails "acuired" this last nigh, will it work?"

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 10 2005, 04:29 AM

QUOTE(Two-Tails @ Jan 9 2005, 09:12 PM)

*Two-Tails removes a beautiful silver, dimond ring from under his cloak*

"Two-Tails "acuired" this last nigh, will it work?"

"Yes, this will do fine.... trust me, I am the expert." 'And if he says otherwise I will make him just like that puddle over there....'

Posted by: Aki Jan 10 2005, 04:34 AM

Reichi, meanwhile was beating his head against the side of the House of earthly Delights. Wishing he could have been bitten by a Werewolf not from Solstheim. For right now, he wanted to transfom, and thrash Two-tails about the head with the lich's bones. Solstheim Werewolves were limited to nightly transformations. The common breed however, was forced only on the full moon. They could willingly change any other time.

At any point of the day.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 10 2005, 04:39 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jan 9 2005, 09:24 PM)

'I can hear your thoughts remember? You are screaming them. Loudly. What is the matter? Oh.... wait, it's silver.'

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 10 2005, 04:40 AM

Two-Tails watches Reichi wack his head agents the wall, shakes his head and snickers

"Please don't hurt your self, Two-Tails would like it to be a chalenge when he steals back his ring, it will be too easy if you are out cold."

Posted by: Aki Jan 10 2005, 04:45 AM

DUH replied to Dagoth. Then looked to Two-Tails. He said nothing, but did make a obscene gesture at the cat.

Posted by: hermit_lurker Jan 10 2005, 04:48 AM

Watching the oddly loking Khajiit and the Dunmer talk, Nyrilla shook her head slightly. Apparently, these were not going to really help her. Then, she saw the spider again. This time, it was just over the door to the House of Earthly Delights, spinning a web between the tavern's wall and the red lantern that indicated the tavern's nature. Nyrilla chuckled, and then suddenly remembered Serra. She would propably have gone right in there.

And, she supposed, that's what the Webspinner wanted her to do, too.

Nyrilla quickly walked through the remaining creature slime, and entered the tavern.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 10 2005, 04:50 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jan 9 2005, 09:35 PM)

DUH replied to Dagoth. Then looked to Two-Tails. He said nothing, but did make a obscene gesture at the cat.

'Well don't take it out on me..... got anything made of ebony?'

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 10 2005, 04:53 AM

Two-Tails returns the gesture and turns to the lich

"No, but one of the shops around here has a ebony bracer Two-Tails has had his eye on. He migh be able to steal it, just because you are one of his friends."

Posted by: Aki Jan 10 2005, 04:53 AM

Reichi considered what he had. Netch armor, a ring that prevents nightly transformations, a dog collar, some gold, and three daggers. Of which, only one was truely enchanted.

Of course, he might have handed Dagoth the Daedric shortblade, had he not seen the spider and flung the blade at it.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 10 2005, 04:54 AM

QUOTE(Two-Tails @ Jan 9 2005, 09:43 PM)

Two-Tails returns the gesture and turned to the lich

"No, but one of the shops around here has a ebony bracer Two-Tails has had his eye on. He migh be able to steal it, just because you are one of his friends."

"Hmm..... go ahead, we'll see if that works....'

Posted by: Arynel Jan 10 2005, 04:55 AM

Arynel eyed the two Dunmer and the Khajiit as they conversed. The Breton quietly decreased the distance before them, so that he was within ear shot, but not so close as to be noticable by not so watchful eyes.

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 10 2005, 04:58 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 9 2005, 09:44 PM)

"Hmm..... go ahead, we'll see if that works....'

"Yes, Two-Tails senced there was true fun to be had, he will return shortly."

TT grined slightly before disipearing into the croud that had returned to the square, he knew this would be fun, stealing valuable thing always gave him a rush.

Posted by: Solin Jan 10 2005, 07:14 AM

Faril walked quietly past the waiting guards in the Suran's house of ill repute. They did not stir themselves from their watch. Each knew him in turn through some means. He was Lord Liris's personal servant and on occasion served as a steward during his time in Vvardenfell, an aide-de-camp of sorts.

The servant came to a stop before the appropriate door and then took time to straighten his appearance. He adjusted the satchel he wore over his shoulder and loosened it's ties so he could produce the sealed document quickly, it was rare that a message did not pass through Liris's hands in the camp but. After smoothing his tunic, he raised a hand and knocked on the door.

"Lady Farrine?" he asked. "It is Faril, Lord Liris's assistant..."

Posted by: Serethi Indoril Jan 10 2005, 07:27 AM

Vivec, High Fane

The High Inquisitor was sitting at his desk, making plans that would forever change the nature of the Temple, for good or bad. He sat, pondering the terrible weight of responsibilty the late Archcanon had left him.

An Ordinator burst into the door, "Inquisitor, Helseth has begun to land his forces at Ebonheart!"

Calmly, Serethi replied, "Mass whatever forces you have around the city here. Prepare the watch, and the guard. We shall see what our 'king' intends to do." The Ordinator left, and Serethi stood up, looked out his window towards the sea.

"Let the Gods weep."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 07:45 AM

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 10 2005, 01:04 AM)

"Lady Farrine?" he asked. "It is Faril, Lord Liris's assistant..."

Elysana had sent the healer away hours ago. The Queen had simply been sitting, alone with her thoughts, accompanied only by the occasional snore from the battlemage, Herwyn, who seemed to be recovering nicely from his ordeal at Helseth's hands.

She opened the door quietly, and whispered, "Keep your voice down. Was is it, Faril?'

Posted by: Serethi Indoril Jan 10 2005, 07:46 AM

Suran

A courier ran his way up the hill in the city, sprinting at full speed. He reached an Armiger's tent, and woke him up. Grumbling, Latius Maltne asked, "What is it?" He emerged outside.

"Orders from Vivec, Serjo," The Dunmer boy handed the letter, and made off. Maltne teared off the seal, and read intently. As he read more and more; he became more and more irate.

Walking down to where his Armigers were sleeping, he realized that they had gotten used to serving Loranna. She had begun to take the place of Vivec, even in Maltne's own mind. Finally, he roused the Dunmer, "Prepare to move out in two hours; we are to return to Ghostgate,"

Posted by: Teleran Jan 10 2005, 07:53 AM

Teleran
'So open so vast then it takes me, it takes me into this shell so cramped. Must get out. So little space I must get out. A trap vast powers…now this vessel trapped, blue dagger drives, what is it other daggers, room to expand yes much room, none already in them ours…mine not yours mine. Still too small, not enough. Too small! Blue dagger is larger, yes, but guarded what guards it from me. So vast, now last trapped so small. Kill it! slash the walls and burn them away. Send them away make them pay, then they leave me. Too small, there should be more so much more. Cut him down. Cut them, strike them, burn them all!'

'What happened? Where am I?' Teleran asked himself as he awoke in Ghostgate. “Let me see, last thing I remember,” he mused, “A flame monarch, Daedra pouring out of a shrine and then…Nehtayem? What happened to the Daedra? There’s no way they just disappeared. No, I...oh great, I hope I didn’t kill anyone.”

‘Well, they left my weapons in here, so I must not have killed anyone here. And some new clothe, nice weave, greens though, not good colors for hunting in the ashlands. I wonder where my cloak is.

‘My daggers,’ he thought as he dressed himself, but as he reached for the daggers it was as if he was struck. He crumpled then lifted himself from the floor and reached for the daggers, “Mine!” he snarled. Then he shook himself and realized the daggers were in their scabbards but Nehtayem lay on the floor, discarded. He put Nehtayem in its sheath and walked out of his room.

“You’re awake, good. My child, we were beginning to think our efforts were for naught. Our strongest spells would not wake you.” Said an older priest as Teleran emerged. “Some of the others, they wanted to bury you. They said you were dead. Some of them accused me of practicing necromancy on your corpse, young fools.”

“How long have I been here?” Teleran asked as they walked from the Tower of Dusk. “Wait, what is that?”

“That is new, a shrine to Azura, her incarnation came while you slept.”

“Where were they headed?”

“Do you think I would ask such questions a god, child? However, I did here something about a pilgrimage so they will probably be going to Vivec, in the end.”

“Thank you for everything, especially for saving me from waking up underground. I must be going, to Vivec it seems.” As he turned away he remembered the ring he had taken from the noble in Balmora, “Here you go, I hope this is recompense enough for the care you gave me. Goodbye.”

“No compensation is necessary.” the priest insisted.

“Take it anyway.” Teleran called over his shoulder as he sprinted towards Vivec.

A few hours later he saw some wild guar and realized that he hadn’t eaten since before he had fallen into that coma. He waited to get one of them away from the herd, Then Nehtayem sunk into its neck, a perfect throw he thought, perhaps green is a good color for hunting these southlands. As he headed to retrieve Nehtayem he stopped. A malicious light came into his eyes and he drew his daedric daggers. They glowed with an unearthly light as he charged at the herd of guar and tore them to pieces. None escaped him.

As the life left the last guar he shook himself and looked at the carnage surrounding him. “What the- But I only took the one, to eat.” He looked at the daggers in his hands blood drenched them and somehow they appeared disappointed, as if they wanted more blood. Now he did retrieve Nehtayem, but he no longer felt hungry..

As he walked on he munched on some Kresh fibers.

When he reached the southern coast he reached into his pack to throw those daggers into the sea. They landed with a splash and he walked towards Vivec. Beneath the water the daggers struck a slaughterfish. Then they were no longer there, rather they were nestled in their sheaths ready for use.

He entered Vivec to await Loranna’s arrival.

Tholer Rathryon
Coming to himself after Loranna’s party left, Rathryon went off into the coutryside and gathered to himself those who believed as he did, those that knew this Nordic N’wah for an invader, to be slaughtered before she killed them all. With his band of the faithful he made his way to Vivec to ensure that Saryoni would respond adequately to the threat that Loranna represented. His acknowledgement of an outlander as Nerevar showed that he could not be trusted to take a stand on his own. This nord was probably the vanguard of an invasion. The people must be warned of the threat they now faced.

Rathryon surveyed his party as they neared Vivec, the Foreign Quarter, a despicable place, ‘So few, not even a hundred strong, I had hoped to have an army. These men will do, not the strongest warriors, but every one is truly of the faith and together we will crush the wench and any who stand with her. Saryoni will see the truth, but if he refuses then he shall join her in her fate.’

The following day they entered Vivec and headed toward the Temple District, spending as little time as possible among the diseased outlanders. As he left the foreign quarter he thought to himself, ‘A true Nerevarine would drive this rabble from our shores. More proof that Saryoni’s backbone may need strengthening.’

Posted by: Arynel Jan 10 2005, 08:04 AM

Arynel quietly sat on a flattened boulder. The Breton conjured up a lute and began to play:

Sing a song of falling stars
The children laugh and play
Play a dirge of tavern'd words
That the children dare not say

Sing of a song of footworn roads
And paths walked without shoes
Play a lude to unwound strings
And threads still on the loom

Sing a song of falling stars
The children laugh and play
Another age has past us by
Let us by on our way....

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 08:20 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 10 2005, 12:54 AM)

Allerleirauh hopped lightly to the top of the rocks, and joined Arynel.

"Yes, we've been here a long time," she said, smiling. "But not to no purpose, I think. Deep water moves slowly. Mirea is here, I have all sorts of news, some interesting, some not. Whatever lurks in the Void has not tested her yet. Tholer Saryoni and Helseth make war. Many of Doll's people have turned aside from Ebonhart and seek a home off the Bitter Coast. And Aricyn spent the night with Loranna."

She looked down upon the moving people, the masses of dust.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 10 2005, 08:25 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 12:10 AM)

"Arycin? With Loranna?" Arynel began, his eyes growing wide.

The Breton shook his head.

"War, this place was built on war. Perhaps it will not come to that this time, I do not know. The void, can you tell me anything about that? Or anything else that may at play your heartstrings at the moment?"

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 08:28 AM

(SURAN, THE TEMPLE:)

Aricyn opened his eyes. The light seeping in through the small round windows was a pale golden-pink; the sun was just beginning to rise.

His first act of the day, of every day now, was to reach out a hand to the Moon Reiver Sword. It was still on the floor where he left it.

He rolled over in the tangle of clothes, covers, and ceremonial rugs that were strewn on the hard temple floor. Loranna lay nearby, sleep leaving her slowly.

He stood up, stretched, and cracked his neck, looking for the mostly empty bottle of ceremonial wine he'd found halfway through the night. He found it, rinsed his mouth out, spat it in the nearby ash pit, and chuckled at the thought of that.

It would have been a blessing to him if Dunmer wine was more intoxicating.

Loranna stirred.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 08:31 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 10 2005, 01:15 AM)

"Loranna has strange taste," Allerleirauh said. "She rejects little Jazbet, who adores her, in favor of the adventurer who does not. That is the way, with wounded children.

"The Void? You've read Vehk's words about it. But you've seen it, which is more important. From there you can see the Tower, sometimes. It is what happens when nothing is made. That we can go there at all says something interesting about us; I doubt the Daedra and Aedra can."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 08:33 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 10 2005, 02:18 AM)

Loranna opens her eyes, a soft smile on her lips. She sighs, and stretches, feeling ...

The sensations from the night before were still vivid in her memory; she could still feel a lingering warmth against her skin from taut, muscled flesh pressed against hers. She sits up, brushing her hair out of her face, and raises an eyebrow at the sight of Aricyn spitting wine into an ash pit.

" ... As if we didn't disturb the honored dead enough last night," she says, her lips curling into a grin. She looks up at Aricyn.

" ... Well, I said I would share my feelings with you; thank you for returning the favor in kind." Her ever-shifting eyes regard Aricyn fondly.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 10 2005, 08:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 12:21 AM)

Arynel nodded.

"There is much I do not know." The Breton said. "Many strings I cannot manage, many paths with unseen ends. My eyes only go as far as my sight is allowed."

Arynel took a deep breath.

"There is a beauty of'n times missed, I think, in a moment passing. See them take on the mantle of servitude, the yoke of zealots. Let them have faith, yes, faith, but let them not be slaves!"

The Breton paused, taking another breath.

"I apologize, I see I am rambling. Perhaps I need more sleep."

He let out a smile.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 08:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 02:23 AM)

Aricyn paused for a moment with an almost pained look on his face and started to speak, then frowned and wordlessly drained the last of the ceremonial wine.

He turned to the clutter on the floor, and found his pants. Next he located the Cuirass of the Savior's Hide, under a tapestry that had been pulled from the wall by accident, and began strapping it on.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 10 2005, 08:47 AM

Far behind the mountains of Suran, Dur’el stands in front of a scroll named, “The book of circles” and drops to both his knees. After a short prayer he rises.

He then slowly, drops his hands to his waist and closes his eyes. Seconds later a sound like captured thunder, claps across the ash covered Suran, mountains. Dur’el’s hands suddenly illuminate with opal light. Then his Shehai’s quickly form, and crackle, and spark in the foggy, Morrowind atmosphere. A murder of ogrims, startled by the sudden noise are grumpily, awaken from their quiet sleep. Within seconds countless ogrims are screaming down the Suran mountains toward Dur’el.

Barely moving Dur’el takes an ancient stance, known by Ansai’s as Agratas, the ultimate offensive stance for a Sword Singer.

In one flap of a cliffracers wings Dur’el’s gone, then back in the same spot, looking like he never moved. Ogrims stuck in suspended attack suddenly start to lose their limbs, and heads until all are a heap of smoking flesh.

Dur’el calmly picks up his scroll and walks back to the camp.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 08:47 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 10 2005, 01:31 AM)

"It's late," Allerleirauh said, smiling, though in fact it was early morning. "Soon you will have all the time you could ask to rest and sleep and dream. Very soon, or Skein is badly mistaken. You were right to push me aside, I think, for the thought of the pleasures that await at the end of this path keep me awake and strong. When the time comes, we shall truly have earned them."

She changed the subject, but only slightly.

"Doll says the slaves seek to found a city, in the islands, where no one has ever lived because of the Temple ban. They want to make a place where all men shall be free."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 08:48 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 10 2005, 02:31 AM)

Loranna watches Aricyn wordlessly for a moment, her expression thoughtful.

" ... I see," she says, closing her eyes and nodding. " ... Well ..."

Her own clothes had gotten knocked into a corner; she gets up and goes to retrieve them, walking with greater grace and poise than she had been up till now. Dressing took but a few moments even with the handicap of her swollen belly.

" ... You can say what you feel if you like; I won't mind," she tells Aricyn.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 08:53 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 02:38 AM)

Aricyn pulled his long white hair out of the collar of the cuirass, and shook it out.

"Okay," he said.

"I'm so hungry I could eat Dunmer food."

Pulling on his boots he added, "The boats should already be arriving."

Posted by: Solin Jan 10 2005, 08:55 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 9 2005, 11:35 PM)

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran
Elysana had sent the healer away hours ago. The Queen had simply been sitting, alone with her thoughts, accompanied only by the occasional snore from the battlemage, Herwyn, who seemed to be recovering nicely from his ordeal at Helseth's hands.

She opened the door quietly, and whispered, "Keep your voice down. Was is it, Faril?'

"My Lady," Faril hushed his voice. "A message has arrived for you by courier."

The aide glanced to either side of the hall making sure only the guards were present and then opened the satchel that hung at his side. The produced document was sealed and marked for the Queen's eyes only.

Faril bowed giving up the note. "Lord Liris command that I am to put myself at your disposal. If there is anything you need, you have but to call and I will be close at hand."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 10 2005, 08:56 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 12:37 AM)

The Breton's expression perked up.

"What a joyous labor, though I fear the toil will be great in this enterprise." Arynel said. "May all men be free yes, yes, but these are the enlightened ones. These know they are slaves, it is those who do not..."

His voice trailed off.

"Let them walk what paths they will, I care not, only that my own feet step true. Perhaps, though, as the night brings with it the promise of the dawn, closed eyes bring with them the promise of awakening."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 09:01 AM

The House Of Earthly Delights, Suran

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 10 2005, 02:45 AM)

The Queen of Wayrest took the note from Faril, broke the seal, and read it. Her eyes never showed a hint of a reaction, positive or negative to the contents. Then she tip-toed to the fireplace and burned it to ashes.

‘Liris was kind to put you at my disposal like that,’ Elysana whispered, smiling, returning to Faril. ‘Tell me, sir, how long have you been working for him? Have you found it a rewarding career?’

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 10 2005, 02:43 AM)

Loranna chuckles. "Well, one good turn deserves another, so I'll say what's on my mind. ... Thank you, and ... hmm, what words to use ..."

She scratches her chin, then shrugs. "... Eh; the second part doesn't translate into words well. Let's go to boats, dear."

One small trick she had learned was how to use telekenesis to substitute for a comb; a moment's concentration and Loranna looks presentable once more, even more relaxed than ever before. She starts for the Temple door, pausing only to make sure Aricyn is ready.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 09:04 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 9 2005, 06:48 AM)

Suran, Suran Slave Market: Tris

"You make me ashamed of myself," Tris said to Ciel. He was thinking of Ciel's courage, which as far as he could see, was flawless. Ciel had not even backed down in Solstheim, in the face of the General, until he had an agreement he could live with. Only, he hadn't been allowed to live with it, because of Elysana. Still, the agreement stood. It seemed very important to Tris, at this moment, that it be enforced.

"It's about time I started earning my keep again," Tris said. "You've offered me a shoulder to lean on, all the way across Tamriel. Here is where I start to carry my own weight. If the queen is here, we need to know where, so that we know how she can be avoided. I need to find a way - a quiet way - to bring you to Loranna. I can do that. Your job - practice that look you had, a minute ago, facing down Leseth. If Loranna doesn't crumble in the face of that, I don't know what will work."

He smiled, stopping because his voice was getting too thick with emotion.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 09:10 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 10 2005, 01:46 AM)

"It may be that none can be happy until all are happy," Allerleirauh said, resisting the urge to stroke his hair. "Remember the woman and her brothers? Is the world all broken, or all whole, or both at once? Yet yours is the only path you can control. You cannot compel people to be free, it's a paradox."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 10 2005, 09:10 AM

Kasha stands in front of a mirror in a Suran inn, combing her hair. She frowned as she noted that it had grown almost to the floor. She then wrapped her hair up, and put it into a pony tail the best she could.

I have to get a haircut soon.

Seconds later Dur’el causally strolls into the room. Kasha takes a good look at his beard he had grown, and his rather large afro.

...Dur’el also. She added.

Suddenly her mind burned and she felt faint. She started to stumble but Dur’el quickly caught her.

“What’s wrong?” Dur’el calmly asks.

“I heard a voice again.” Kasha pauses as she gathers herself. “It told me Loranna and her baby are in trouble.”

Dur’el raises an eyebrow. “By who?”

“I don’t know, but the feeling felt familiar, like someone she knew.”

Dur’el scrunches up his face. “Someone she knows? What? That doesn’t make sense.”

Dur’el and Kasha stand in the cramped, Suran inn, pondering the meaning of Kasha’s voices.

Posted by: Solin Jan 10 2005, 09:11 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 12:51 AM)

The House Of Earthly Delights, Suran
The Queen of Wayrest took the note from Faril, broke the seal, and read it. Her eyes never showed a hint of a reaction, positive or negative to the contents. Then she tip-toed to the fireplace and burned it to ashes.

‘Liris was kind to put you at my disposal like that,’ Elysana whispered, smiling, returning to Faril. ‘Tell me, sir, how long have you been working for him? Have you found it a rewarding career?’

"Since a few months before he departed Wayrest, your Highness," Faril replied. "My predecessor suddenly became quite ill and died. I have strived to make up for the loss.

"My service has had it's own rewards," he continued a bit hesitant. "Travel to an exotic land as this, for example..."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 02:51 AM)

Aricyn looked hard at her. Loranna had gotten very used to reading people's minds, he thought. It seemed that she had forgotten how to do it the old-fashioned way.

He was ready. Ready to get out into the fresh air and wind, to be certain.

The old wolf by the door wasn't ready to get up yet, but then, he never was.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 09:17 AM

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 10 2005, 03:01 AM)

‘Liris obviously relies on you for quite a lot,’ Elysana smiled. ‘You must have ambitions of your own. Would you have, hypothetically, handled the present situation differently if you were in his position, do you think?’

She laughs, and then, remembering Herwyn is still asleep, lowers her voice: ‘This is not a trick question, my dear Faril. I only like to know a little more about the people I am entrusting my life to in this dangerous place …’

Posted by: Arynel Jan 10 2005, 09:21 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 01:00 AM)

Arynel nodded.

"I will write a song, perhaps, for men to sing in bars, and mer to recite in taverns. Perhaps the meaning will be unknown, no, they will not know, I think. But, chance one does, he has one step found and another to claim."

The Breton stood up.

"That is a part I can play, I think, though very small and perhaps soon forgotten. Let it be so, I walk the path as it is given, the road my feet doth find to trod."

Arynel turned, and began to move forward.

"And I find my feet have found another path to take, and so I will, but not so far, I am with you still. Where you go I will follow, until we reach the end of things."

The Breton silently walked away.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 09:21 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 10 2005, 03:07 AM)

Loranna sighs. " ... I'm sorry," she says to Aricyn. "It seems I still tend to say too much."

Her expression regains some of the pain that had been there the night before. " ... What I could offer wasn't enough; just like before."

Posted by: Solin Jan 10 2005, 09:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 12:54 AM)

Ciel blinked in the new light that flooded the chamber and breathed a deep sigh of relief. He relaxed in the chair, letting the tension in his muscles ease. A moment had been granted.

"If wish to see it that way," he smiled back. "You have the proper connections to arrange such meetings."

He rose from the chair and began to pace the length of the room.

"Elsyana, why is she here? What maddness brought this about?" he thought aloud.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 09:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 03:11 AM)

He looked at her with a puzzled expression. His face, his white hair, and his eyes made him look very cold, even in this hot place.

He smiled the charming smile.

"Don't short yourself," he said.

He smacked her backside... hard, and opened the temple door.

The riot of color and activity outside was impressive.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 09:30 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 10 2005, 03:16 AM)

Loranna raises her eyebrows.

" ... Next time we feel a need to open up to one another, let's stick with words," she tells Aricyn. " ... I know you better than before and know you hardly at all now; I think though, that's not a bad thing."

The pagentry outside was impressive, and Loranna smiles at it. " ... Time to follow our hearts to their respective goals ... and travel together again. To the end."

She steps out, wondering if she should look for Jazbet first, Dagoth, Allie, or just get to the ships ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 09:36 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 10 2005, 02:16 AM)

"She's gone mad," Tris said frankly. "There's no other explanation. She's obsessed with control; she couldn't control you, and so she tried to kill you. She couldn't control the Void, and so she blew up her palace. She can't control Loranna - or Azura - I'm not sure which I'd rather try to control. She loves her children I think. She wouldn't leave them unless she felt she needed to. This is not a just a whim. My guess, from the priest we met at the last temple, is that she wants to undermine Helseth, and thinks Loranna has a chance of doing that. But to come and supervise herself - the lady needs to learn to delegate, before she gets herself killed."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 09:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 03:20 AM)

The priests were rushing up in their little huddle, having had to do without their precious Incarnate all night long.

Aricyn looked at her, smiled, and strode down the steps, the old wolf at his side.

'To the end,' he thought to himself. The knuckles of his hand, wrapped tightly around the hilt of the legendary sword under his cloak, were whiter than usual.

A cool wind blew through his hair.

...I'm looking forward to it...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 09:44 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 10 2005, 02:28 AM)

Allerleirauh stepped forward into the magic circle of Loranna's companions, feeling that selfsame wind lift her own silver hair.

"Rest well?" she asked them, pleasantly. "The boats are near, is it time to leave this place?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 09:48 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 03:34 AM)

Loranna nods to Allie even as she starts answering the priest's nervous questions. Yes, everything was all right; yes the time was coming ...

"It is time to head to Vivec now, yes," Loranna confirms with a small smile, her ever-shifting eyes locking with Allie's for a moment ...

... Four centuries and you say you still have trouble sometimes getting it right. I'm starting to grasp that even more ... she says quietly to Allie.

Posted by: Solin Jan 10 2005, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 01:07 AM)

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran
‘Liris obviously relies on you for quite a lot,’ Elysana smiled. ‘You must have ambitions of your own. Would you have, hypothetically, handled the present situation differently if you were in his position, do you think?’

She laughs, and then, remembering Herwyn is still asleep, lowers her voice: ‘This is not a trick question, my dear Faril. I only like to know a little more about the people I am entrusting my life to in this dangerous place …’

"Indeed, you Highness," Faril returned with a smile of his own.

He thought heavily for a moment.

"The present situation, your Majesty?" he asked continuing. "You mean Loranna, do you not? Things are far too disorganized. This religion isn't moving along I fear. Lord Liris, I think does, not grasp all ends of the situation and relies to heavily on the force of arms you provided him with to get things done. I would prefer a less obvious solution. When you take what Lord Liris has done here it all lines up with what he wants. He lacks enough control to obfusticate his goings on properly."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 09:52 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 03:34 AM)

"Wonderfully, thank you," although his eyes say otherwise.

He can see the ships nearing the dock, men furling the green sails as they enter the shallow water.

Posted by: Solin Jan 10 2005, 09:55 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 01:26 AM)

“Perhaps her servants aren’t getting the job done properly, or the way she wishes,” Ciel continued to think aloud. “Yes, her brother is the only reason why she extended her hand this far, I think. Although, since she is here, it is perhaps best if she attempts to reign in control herself. Her business with the camp may distract her so that we may pass unnoticed.”

He stopped by the window where Leseth had stood earlier.

“We are all crowded together again,” the knight stated. “He is wrong, fate has it’s hand everywhere even in the void.”

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 09:58 AM

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 10 2005, 03:41 AM)

Elysana nodded, not smiling, but her eyes were friendly. ‘I appreciate your candor. Yes, I can see a bright future for you, should you be given the opportunity to rise in the ranks … That will be all for now, Faril … Please, do not hesitate to visit again if there is any news that I should hear about.’

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 10:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 02:38 AM)

Age isn't a factor, when it comes to understanding people, Allerleirauh thought.

Her private thoughts were not overtly stated, but Loranna picked them up anyway.

Did you think cheap sex would be more romantic for a goddess than for a barmaid? If you cannot at least be fond of one another, remain alone... it's less messy.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 10:06 AM

Aricyn left to find the heralds. In a few moments they would be blowing their trumpets and announcing that the boats were here for the followers of Azura.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 10:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 03:50 AM)

... That girl was dying before last night Allie - and she's all but fully dead now, Loranna says quietly.

Loranna and her knot of hangers-on advance rapidly to the boats, Loranna's thoughts flashing for a moment to the last boat trip she had taken - from Dawnstar to Morrowind, as Ciel's prisoner. Allie can feel Loranna's thoughts contemplating how much had changed since then and how much hadn't.

... Oh; it seems Queen Elysana herself is now traveling with us, if Aricyn's information can be believed, Loranna tells Allie as they approach the ships. I suspect she is not totally satisfied with my pilgrimage's Helseth-slaying potential.

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

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 02:57 AM)

Aricyn doesn't usually make statements like that unless he's certain, Allerleirauh thought. Why would the Queen of Wayrest do something so foolish? I knew her money lay at the back of Dres's presence here, but not that. I've met Elysana, you know. Although it was more than twenty years ago, and I was nothing but another employee to her. Still, my appearance is unusual, even in Skyrim. I wonder if she'll remember me.

Your pilgrimage is a motley collection of people of all kinds moving according to their own desires. The strongest people here do not even follow Azura. Yet Helseth will be very much surprised, if he moves against you. That's not the sort of thing Elysana is equipped to understand.

Posted by: Solin Jan 10 2005, 10:14 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 01:48 AM)

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran
Elysana nodded, not smiling, but her eyes were friendly. ‘I appreciate your candor. Yes, I can see a bright future for you, should you be given the opportunity to rise in the ranks … That will be all for now, Faril … Please, do not hesitate to visit again if there is any news that I should hear about.’

"Of course, your Highness," Faril said cocking his head listening to the annoucment.

The aide, dissmissed, bowed and then departed quietly to see to the loading.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 10:17 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 10 2005, 02:45 AM)

"Fate is the ONLY hand in the Void," Tris said, rushing to the window. He returned to embrace Ciel, and, pressing his lips against his ear as if in intimacy, whispered,

"Leseth and his demon child cannot reach us over water - did you hear that announcement? Come on - fate is our friend today."

The two men hurried to gather their belongings and board the same boat as Loranna/Azura herself.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 10 2005, 10:20 AM

Dante had heard the trumpets of the ships off in the distance, he turned to the vicinity in which the noise was coming from, Hmm....looks like we're taking a boat to our next stop... He thought, heading out to find Illidan before they left.

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

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

QUOTE(w0nders @ Jan 10 2005, 04:10 AM)

The Queen of Wayrest heard the trumpets. She opened the door, and signaled to one of the shabbily dressed, undercover guards in the hall.

'What is that sound?' she whispered. 'Who is arriving?'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 10:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 04:04 AM)

Loranna considers.

... No, she's not; she sees this as needing to be an organized affair, almost like a militiant priesthood I guess. But then, she sees this only in terms of her own hatred of Helseth, and like you said - she's not equipped to understand things here.

... I suspect she'll be trying to either pull her forces out of this or else whip our group into a 'proper' fighting force; this is going to be ... educational, at the very least.

Loranna sighs; they were on board now.

... I still talk too much; I want to tell those I feel close to almost everything. I guess it's better to try and change that or else just learn to live with it than to bemoan it though.

Posted by: Solin Jan 10 2005, 10:29 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 02:14 AM)

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran
The Queen of Wayrest heard the trumpets. She opened the door, and signaled to one of the shabbily dressed, undercover guards in the hall.

'What is that sound?' she whispered. 'Who is arriving?'

"The goddess's ships, Lady," the guardsman replied in a hush. "They come to ferry Azura and her followers to the city of Vivec."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 10:31 AM

Wyrloc enjoyed directing people to do things, particularly if it took little imagination. He had been ordering his men around all morning, making certain that everything was packed up and ready to be put onto the ships. There was a lot. The foodstuffs from Lord Gaor's plantation needed to be put here, weapons there, tents folded up and put here ...

Jazbet enjoyed physical labor. It gave him pleasure to do the work voluntarily which he would have been forced to do as a slave. And he knew he could do it right. Tents could be folded tighter, and he showed the soldiers how. There was no reason to show off, carrying too much stuff, and hurt one's back, but there was no excuse for carrying too little ...

The docks came to be filled with people and the miscellany of a pilgrimage.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 10:36 AM

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 10 2005, 04:19 AM)

"The goddess's ships, Lady," the guardsman replied in a hush. "They come to ferry Azura and her followers to the city of Vivec."

"Already?" she sighed, exaspirated. Liris told her that they would be leaving for Vivec, but he didn't say it would be happening so soon.

She closed the door, and touched Herwyn's shoulder gently.

'Are you awake?'

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

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 04:21 AM)

The horror of the monster's attack was temporarily forgotten in the excitement of the boat ride to Vivec; even Loranna feels herself catching a touch of the enthusiasm going around.

Her thoughts reach out, seeking Dagoth and Jazbet, wondering how they're doing. After her night in the Temple, she hopes both can still accept her ...

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 10:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 04:16 AM)

Loranna sighs; they were on board now.

Jazbet, struggling with loading a box onto the boat, passed Loranna, and started to say something -- his expression turned to surprise Your face -- and then dropped the box on his foot.

'Rajhin!' the khajiit hollared in agony.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 10:43 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 04:26 AM)

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran
"Already?" she sighed, exaspirated. Liris told her that they would be leaving for Vivec, but he didn't say it would be happening so soon.

She closed the door, and touched Herwyn's shoulder gently.

'Are you awake?'

Herwyn opened his eyes. He'd gotten very good at pretending to be asleep, lately.

"Yes, your Majesty. I am much better now, thank you. I was only resting and regaining my arcane strength.

"If you have need of me, I am certain that I am capable of service, my Queen."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 10:44 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 04:31 AM)

The box lifts itself off of Jazbet's foot.

... Dearie, don't do that, Loranna says, her expresison concerned. The offending parcel waits for Jazbet or someone else to pick up and carry ...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 10:47 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 03:34 AM)

The box lifts itself off of Jazbet's foot.

... Dearie, don't do that, Loranna says, her expresison concerned. The offending parcel waits for Jazbet or someone else to pick up and carry ...

"Today I am a pack mule," Allerleirauh said, winking at the Khajiit. She hefted the package and joined the baggage loaders.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 10:50 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 10 2005, 04:33 AM)

"I don't doubt that you're physically capable," the Queen said, her eyes steadily on Herwyn. "I've watched the healer work, and he did as fine a job as any in my court. But what you've been through takes a while for the mind to heal, and I need you to be honest with me, and tell me if you're capable of doing what I require. We're leaving on a trip, to a place we've been before. I don't believe the King will be there now ... but it was the last place I saw him. Would you be able to return with me to Vivec?'

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 10:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 04:37 AM)

"Today I am a pack mule," Allerleirauh said, winking at the Khajiit. She hefted the package and joined the baggage loaders.

The Khajiit was still stunned, first looking at Loranna and then Allerleirauh. He burst out laughing.

'I am sorry, I am sorry,' he gasped between laughs. 'Something just --'

You have been practicing he thought to Loranna Don't deny it. I know the change in a woman's face, the afterglow ... Was it by yourself or did you find a suitable ... Rajhin, was it the lich?!

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 10:55 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 04:40 AM)

His eyes winced at a private thought.

"I tell you honestly, my Queen, that I would willingly follow you back to Vivec, but not if we go by whatever means we used to escape there. It shames me to fail you, your Majesty, but if that is the case, I would rather die now."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 10:58 AM

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 10 2005, 04:45 AM)

Elysana chuckled. 'No, not the same way. We will go by boat this time ... And we will certainly only be there for a short while. I have no interest in staying with this pilgrimage any longer than it takes to ... Well, do what must be done. But we need to get up and out of here or we'll miss the boat ...'

She looked around the empty room, and smiled. 'Fortunately, we packed light.'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 10:59 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 04:44 AM)

Loranna sighs mentally. No; it was the other silver-haired Nord, she tells Jazbet. While he and I were discussing matters concerning the pilgrimage, the topic turned to our shared adventures and ...

... Well, I love my companions; they're other than one drunkard of a father the closest thing I have to family right now. And there had been some ... tension ... that never got resolved since he and I met. Last night I felt the only right thing to do was to air things out, and it ... led to practice.

Loranna finds herself smiling gently in Jazbet's presence, despite the slightly rueful tone of her thoughts.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 04:49 AM)

"The Nord?!" Jazbet cried out loud, and then slapped his hand over his mouth.

So sorry he thought, returning to the dock with a slight limp to help carry more boxes on board the ship. This telepathy takes some practice. I don't know why, I never thought he would be a proper lover to you. Your friend Allerleirauh might've told you, but I originally thought they might be together ... looking so similar and all ... But ... Well, marvelous! ... Practice makes perfect ...

And you even look like you enjoyed it ... sort of ...

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 11:07 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 04:48 AM)

The House of Earthly Delights, Suran
Elysana chuckled. 'No, not the same way. We will go by boat this time ... And we will certainly only be there for a short while. I have no interest in staying with this pilgrimage any longer than it takes to ... Well, do what must be done. But we need to get up and out of here or we'll miss the boat ...'

She looked around the empty room, and smiled. 'Fortunately, we packed light.'

Herwyn pulled himself to his newly-repaired feet, and hurridly dressed in the clothes that had been procured for him.

"I am with you, my Queen."

For himself, he hoped that the king was still in Vivec. He wished that he could meet Helseth a second time, with an army of fanatical rebels, instead of on the wrong end of a cowardly ambush.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 04:54 AM)

I know he and I aren't suited for one another, Loranna says. ... We both realized it I think, and I fear the realization sits poorly in his mind.

... It wasn't the wisest way to express my feelings, but it's what came out in the moment, and it's done now - the consequences will show later and I'll deal with them, she continues. ... But at least now, I can say unreservedly I know what I would ask from a lover - and there's only two people right now who I know who can offer that. Dagoth, with his thoughts and his ancient yet all-too-young heart ... and you, with your heart and more.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 11:10 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 10 2005, 04:57 AM)

'I might need something else from you,' Elysana whispered as they hurried down the dock towards the ship. 'You don't know the people who have been at camp, and they don't know you ... And I need to learn where some loyalties lie ... I'll explain more when we have a moment of privacy, assuming that's possible on this tiny little ship ...'

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 10 2005, 11:17 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 05:00 AM)

"Of course, your Majesty."

It felt good to stand again. He fastened his baldric with permanently nail-less fingers, and was ready.

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 10 2005, 11:22 AM

*Ebonheart*
The preparations were going well and all of the mainland forces had arrived. They were now ready to head to Vivec when needed.

A courier arrived in Helseth's chambers. "This letter arrived from the Imperial City, M'Lord." He said, handing the King an envelope with the Imperial seal on it.

"Thank you. You are dismissed." Replied the King, with a wave of his hand.

Once the courier had gone, Helseth opened the letter and read the contents. The Empire had agreed to send some extra troops to aid Helseth, and that was welcome news. They should be arriving in an hour or two.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 05:00 AM)

While the Khajiit Dres Knight listened to Loranna’s thoughts, he was preparing to lift a large, but not particularly heavy box, that rose almost as high as his chest. He tried to lift it as he listened, but put it down instead.

See that? You make me weak, Loranna.

He peeked over the top of the box, looking at her, while he pretended to struggle to lift it.

My heart and more? … Ah, woman – and I speak to the woman now, not the Goddess or Nord-Demon, though you know they intrigue me as well – but woman, I am sorry you felt regret, but that too is part of being human. But when you are ready, and you say, ‘Jezbet, make love to me,’ I will take you –

One of Jazbet’s men came to help him with the box, but Jazbet shook his head and directed him to another one. ‘I, um, need this one right now … Where it is …’

If this box were moved, it might be a little embarrassing right now the Khajiit winked.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 03:54 AM)

Allerleirauh stopped beside Jazbet, laughing at his outburst. It felt good to be doing something and going somewhere.

"Can you manage two conversations at once? You'll learn, around Loranna... sometimes it takes a bad lover to appreciate a good one. Only, she's never had a good one. Do you mark me? Do well by her, or I'll see what Khajiit fur looks like from the inside."

She laughed again, realizing that a Khajiit raised among Dunmer might not understand that Nords threatened to kill each other as a form of friendly banter.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 11:29 AM

She means that, Loranna says to both Allie and Jazbet, in the nicest way possible of course. And wait till you start trying to have three or four conversations at once; it's like juggling hyper kittens with one hand.

Loranna smiles.

... I say again - I love my companions. But not every form of love is suited for everyone, she tells Allie. I think Aricyn will ultimately be all right, but if he isn't ... I'll deal with the consequences then. If I am alive, of course.

To Jazbet, Loranna adds ... The next time we have privacy dear, I would get to know you much, much better. I'll say the words then.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 11:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 05:13 AM)

"Can you manage two conversations at once? You'll learn, around Loranna... sometimes it takes a bad lover to appreciate a good one. Only, she's never had a good one. Do you mark me? Do well by her, or I'll see what Khajiit fur looks like from the inside."

'My affairs, before I've even had them, are seldom this public,' Jazbet grinned. 'But I do think you're right. Where would the world be if every act of love was a unbelievable, soul-expanding ride to Aetherius and back?'

This I promise you he thought to Loranna.

'And if your Breton ever needs any directions, and he gets lost on the path of where you keep things,' the Khajiit winked to Allerleirauh. 'You tell him to speak to me. I'll be the inside-out cat.'

QUOTE

The next time we have privacy dear, I would get to know you much, much better. I'll say the words then.

You mustn't mind teasing me, woman. The world is full of games being played, and some of them are more fun than others ...

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 11:43 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 05:30 AM)

...
You mustn't mind teasing me, woman. The world is full of games being played, and some of them are more fun than others ...

... I'll remember that, Loranna says, her thoughts warming pleasantly.

... There may yet be happiness found in this maelstrom I've brought with me yet, she murmurs, letting herself enjoy the feeling of hope once more.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 11:48 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 04:30 AM)

'My affairs, before I've even had them, are seldom this public,' Jazbet grinned. 'But I do think you're right. Where would the world be if every act of love was a unbelievable, soul-expanding ride to Aetherius and back?'

'And if your Breton ever needs any directions, and he gets lost on the path of where you keep things,' the Khajiit winked to Allerleirauh. 'You tell him to speak to me. I'll be the inside-out cat.'

Allerleirauh hoisted a crate to her shoulder.

"He could stand to have a bit more cat in him - maybe I will send him your way."

Still laughing, she started off with her burden.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 11:49 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 05:33 AM)

'Pardon me,' said the Queen of Wayrest, stepping onto the boat with the battlemage behind her. She smiled at Loranna. 'Clearly, I've found the right boat to be on. I'm Lady Farrine -- we met yesterday? You look well. Oh dear, what chaos ... If you'll excuse me ...'

Elysana and Herwyn moved to the rear of the boat to allow room for more passengers and boxes.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 11:54 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Jan 10 2005, 05:39 AM)

... Note to self; if ever you meet the one who truly controls the threads of fate, bring up some criticism about his, her, or its sense of humor, Loranna thinks to herself.

"Every boat leads to Vivic ..." Loranna says with raised eyebrows to Elysana. "And you look well too dear; thank you."

Loranna ends up moving out of the way to allow people to get by as well, mulling over wether to try and avoid Elysana or make polite conversation should the Queen try to ask her anything.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 11:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 10 2005, 05:38 AM)

"He could stand to have a bit more cat in him - maybe I will send him your way."

Still laughing, she started off with her burden.

"Well, one cannot very well be a follower on a holy pilgrimage if one doesn't work on one's missionary work,' Jazbet laughed, and with a final wink to Loranna, joined his men getting the boats fully loaded up.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 10 2005, 12:09 PM

Tris:

It had taken a substantial chunk of pocket change for Tris to secure a place for him and Ciel on the Incarnate Mother's boat. If he weren't careful he might become conspicious as "that crippled fellow who throws around money," but he didn't think he'd attracted too much attention so far.

They boarded. He could see the General's shining head rising above the heads of the mass of people. He waited until she was on the dock, bending to lift something, to pass.

Fortunately Bretons weren't tall, or otherwise notable. Even so his heart pounded with every step he took, fearing that at any moment a spectral hand would snatch at his ankle. Surely Leseth wouldn't try anything in front of such a crowd.

He and Ciel lost themselves amongst the other passengers. They would go below as soon as they could.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 10 2005, 12:31 PM

Loranna soon decides that she's not really up to talking to Elysana right now - partially because all the excitement of people loading onto the ship is starting to make her head pound.

"If you'll excuse me," she says with a polite smile, "I think I shall head to my cabin now. Good day, Lady."

Loranna makes her way to her cabin, there to use some of Jazbet's breathing techniques to relax herself and to hum snatches of the songs Allie sings for Sen Yedda.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 10 2005, 12:51 PM

The mage stands alone on a grassy field north of Lake Samsi and close to the bridge that spans over the Nabia River and leads to Suran.
The steel tips of his staff gleam occaisonally in the sunlight as he begins to go through a series of combat moves. He had not practiced these for a long time, but he had an urging feeling of need. And in times like this, that was enough reason for him to hone his skills. He never was a character who liked fights, but he knew how to defend himself, and, if needed, others, too.
The first moves seem stiff, but with repeated practice, his motions become smoother.
"Old practices may sleep, but they can be wakened if needed." he thought.

He deliberately moves slowly through the sequence, almost like meditating.
Strike - Parry - Counterstrike - Feint - Strike
The sequence grows more complicated as he varies and quickens the moves.
Parry - step back - Gesture - Spell - Strike
The staff begins whirling around and sweat appears on his brow.

Nalion continues his practice while the party on the shore is busily loading crates and packages onto the boats and enters the vessels. The pilgrimage would continue soon.

His concentration returned to the practice with his staff. He would not join the crowd this time. There were other ways to Vivec than by boat, for those who travel alone.

Posted by: hermit_lurker Jan 10 2005, 02:18 PM

Another boat. Oh, Webspinner, I hope you enjoy watching this, at least. Nyrilla had thought.

So they were actually moving against Vivec? What folly. They would be slaughtered by the Ordinator and Arminger contingents there. Unless the pilgrims had some ace up their sleeve - an ace with shining armour, mounted high on an armoured plains strider, and best, several hundred such aces - they were doomed.

Nyrilla had joined the other pilgrims, determined to continue observing them. Even if she could nt do much to stop them from running to their doom, she could at least see those events first hand. Her master would surely be proud.

Then, in an instance of pure chance, she had witnessed the Incarnate boarding one of the ships, and hurried, pushing two pilgrims aside, to get on board of that ship just before it departed.

Standing on the crowded ship's deck, she instantly felt the unease that always gripped her whenever she boarded a ship. Why couldn't they take Silt Striders, she wondered.

The ship would surely soon depart, and she headed down, hoping to get herself a hammock or at the very least a place to sit down, before all the pligrims who were still on deck, marveling at the Incarnate who was chatting with a Khajiiti knight in Dunmer armour, would come down and occupy every last plank and box.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 10 2005, 07:08 PM

Without a word, Arynel boarded a ship. Once aboard, the Breton scanned the area, and took a seat.

He closed his eyes.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 10 2005, 11:14 PM

Dagoth got onto the ship Loranna was getting on, sensing something the matter..... but staying quiet until she wasn't as busy. 'I have a feeling this will not be a happy conversation at some point...'

Posted by: Aki Jan 10 2005, 11:23 PM

Reichi had before the ships arrived. Cleaned himself yet again. Mumbling curses about trigger-happy liches. Throughly cleaned he had waited for the ships to arrive. Then when they had he had secured a spot on the Incarnate's one early. He took some time to survey the crowds. Though he senses and ability as a dunmer were still slightly enhanced by his condition, they never reached the height that they did when he transformed. Regardless, he attempted to figure out the various backgrounds and motivations of certain pilgrims.

When that became tiresome he considered his soulgem. The soul was definatly of great power. He certainly wouldn't squander it. Something useful. Like a Constant Effect chamleon, or Reflect.

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 10 2005, 11:43 PM

*Erenius looks about the docks, noticing the movement of supplies seems to be doing well*

"All's well here," Erenius says. "But I don't get why we need a fleet of boast merely to cross the lake. Besides, enterring Vivec via the Foreign or Hlaalu cantons would make for a more spectacular entrance than a few thousand followers forcing their way off ships at the Temple. However, this is but petty musings of my own, and I have no idea where anyone is on these ships..."

*With that, Erenius thinks for a moment, noticing the banners on several of the small craft with interior holds, believing he found the ships with the people of import on board*

"So, Loranna, is there, with the Breton bard and his Nord friend, as well as her various companions likely being on that ship. But where is that brutish Nord?" Erenius mumbles, looking the various heraldry over again.

"Ah, there he is..." Erenius says at last, noting the location of all major companions of his.

*Erenius then realizes it probably would be best for him to follow on a ship and not by land. Yet also knowing it be best to stay away from his companions for now. He walks over to a ship, almost unnoticable, flying the flag of the Dres.*

"Save those I wish to avoid," Erenius thinks aloud, knowing full he should be with Loranna and her companions for the time being. "I suppose that would be the best place to go to for now. A few hours, or a day, or whatever it comes to, should be enough time away from the main party."

Posted by: Aki Jan 10 2005, 11:55 PM

Vivec City

Tohe wandered through the crowds. He had heard that the Incarnate was coming here. It was all begining to make sense now, Reichi had told him of this Incarnate woman. He would be with her. Thats why the Hunters were hear. Though, he hadn't seen the hunters for some time now. They had to be planning something.

Hunter Camp

The report had been sent the way previous ones had. It detailed the battle and how the Icarnate was indeed travelling by boat. Tarenen almost wished he had brought boats. A naval engagement would have been interesting. He dispatched a few soldiers, out of armor as to not draw attention, to observe where the boats would land.

"The endgame is upon us..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 10 2005, 11:58 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 10 2005, 05:33 PM)

"Save those I wish to avoid," Erenius thinks aloud, knowing full he should be with Loranna and her companions for the time being. "I suppose that would be the best place to go to for now. A few hours, or a day, or whatever it comes to, should be enough time away from the main party."

Lord Dres Wyrloc hails Erenius from the ship with the Dres flag.

"Everyone wants to be on the Incarnate's ship," the Dunmer laughed. "We've had to turn people away, even people with quite substantial bribes, because it'd certainly be a bad impression on one and all if Loranna's ship was the one that sunk. Come on aboard. We'll follow them and keep a close eye."

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 11 2005, 12:13 AM

"Hello Wyrloc," Erenius says, returning the greeting.

*Erenius finishes his walk up the planks onto the ship*

"And I agree," Erenius says. "Too many people aboard a ship will sink it. And all the easier if some sort of warping enchantment was placed upon just a few planks of wood below the waterline. I understand the reasoning for this, but I genuinly dont see why it is Loranna has chosen boat as the means of transportation now. And besides, these ships must have cost a fortune...another one which I will likely be paying as this would fall under supply and logistics."

*Erenius looks over the ships again, simply staring as various flags are moved about while people try to find space on ships*

"I care not how it is we arrive in Vivec, or where," Erenius says to noone in particular as he watches this. "I also care not where else we go from there, for I will follow as I always have since nearly the first of Sun's Dusk."

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 11 2005, 12:16 AM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Jan 10 2005, 06:03 PM)

"And I agree," Erenius says. "Too many people aboard a ship will sink it. And all the easier if some sort of warping enchantment was placed upon just a few planks of wood below the waterline. I understand the reasoning for this, but I genuinly dont see why it is Loranna has chosen boat as the means of transportation now. And besides, these ships must have cost a fortune...another one which I will likely be paying as this would fall under supply and logistics."

"Ah, not to worry, my friend," Wyrloc said, clapping him on the back. "The other half of Gaor's foodstuffs and supplies are in Ebonheart, quite near Vivec. We should be able to get everything we need shortly on arrival.

As for why she chose to go by ship, well, it's all a bit complicated ... Many issues had to be worked out ... No one simple answer ..."

Wyrloc was well used to pretending to be smart about things he had no idea about.

Posted by: One87xe Jan 11 2005, 12:24 AM

<ooc>...wow...this is longer than the last one...I wish I could take part...oh well theres always next time...<ooc>

Posted by: Celezar Jan 11 2005, 12:27 AM

*Celezar whistled to himself, quietly concealed within a alleyway nestled within the docks. The squirming throne of animated meat had greatly dwindled in size since his departure from Balmora, taking on a sort of many legged mound on which he sat, clutching his heavy jar of necrotic condiment closely to his chest*

"I do say, Celezar, I'm quite sick of following these cretons about this pittiful island unkown, master must think we've abondoned him by now!"

*Celezar gasped excitedly as he picked a sliver of squirming salomi and nibbled on it gently, the old man carefully stroking his beard*

"Quiet, puppet! We do not abandon master, he abandons us!"

"Of course, Celezar, how foolish of me."

"Indeed, now we must follow Lady Dusk and Lady Dawn until further instructions, puppet."

*Celezar, atop his meaty mount, squirms along the shadows of the docks, eying the assortment of people with his greedy little golden eyes*

Posted by: FireMaster Jan 11 2005, 12:30 AM

*Erenius nods to the comments*

"Very well then," Erenius says.

*Erenius sits himself down, removing a pen, inkwell, and a few slices of paper from his satchel*

"Guess I have some time now, so I may as well," Erenius mutters as he takes down the various expenses he had incurred to this point. Amongst those were the guar carts of Phydralion, the supplies at Balmora and Suran, the guards from Gnisis, and more. "I've paid everyone back as needed, now to see just how much its has cost me fully..."

*Erenius finishes writing the costs down and then does some rough summing in his head. He found the costs ammounted to nearly two-hundred thousand coins, when he was rounding down all numbers below one thousand*

"And then, if I figure the rest of it in..." Erenius mutters, suprised at the costs incurred so far. "...another ten-thousand gold is added to that....two-hundred-ten-thousand gold coins, and plenty of frustration and tedium on my part, is what it has cost me this far."

"Guess I can't finance another Incarnate for the next twenty or so years," Erenius says.

Posted by: Aki Jan 11 2005, 12:30 AM

Reichi, having not eaten for awhile looked about after he began to detect the smells of many different types of meats. Ones that weren't packed up for transport to the boat.

The Dunmer sat up sniffed the air.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 12:37 AM

In her cabin, Loranna puts her breathing excersices to good use to relax herself, though her mind slowly drifts into a somber mood.

Partly, it was the lingering sense of fatalism she had regarding Vivec; even with Jazbet's assurances, she still couldn't quite shake the feeling that Vivec meant the end of her, one way or another. There were so many people with their own schemes now that there was little she could really do to influence things one way or the other, and she wasn't really looking forward to the upcoming confrontation with Helseth even though she knew it was inevitable.

Partly, it was Elysana's presence; thinking about the Queen of Wayrest having come all this way to oversee whatever schemes she had laid gave Loranna a strange, almost sick feeling. She felt an odd rge to grab the woman by her shirt and tell her "What are you thinking, being here? Get the heck out; you're just going to make a mess of things by trying to act like you're in charge." She shouldn't, and probably wouldn't, but the feeling was still there, somewhere.

... And partly, it was the reaction Aricyn had evinced this morning, and the feeling that, this time, she should have kept her mouth shut - and, perhaps, her ears a bit more open. The more she thought about what had happened, the more she wondered if she hadn't just ended up destroying what good will he may have had for her ...

Loranna sighs; as far as she seems to come, there always seems to be much, much farther she needs to go still. She closes her eyes and tries to sort out her thoughts and feelings once more.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 12:46 AM

Having a bad feeling about something, and noticeing something resembling more sadness than usual coming from Loranna, Dagoth makes his way to the cabin that Loranna is in.

As he reaches the door, he knocks a few times, just to look normal to anyone looking at him. 'Loranna, can I come in?'

Posted by: One87xe Jan 11 2005, 12:49 AM

<ooc>...well I was going to make a cameo appearance...but I have a severe case of writers block...lets just assume One and Ami are finishing their preparations to leave port...several Steam Centurions can be seen pushing what appear to be large carts filled with Drakes onboard the ships...the Centurions are being closely watched by a team of Imperial Soldiers...you can make out One shaking the captains hand as Ami boards the ship...he then joins her and they set off...err...yeah I guess that works...

P.S. assuming he's on the dock One makes a passing glance towards Reichi as his ship makes its way past...Reichi can now see the gold glimmering under the sun...One smiles really big as they pass by...<ooc>

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 12:49 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 06:36 PM)

Loranna opens her eyes, hearing Dagoth at the door. A moment later, she's opening the door and beckoning him inside.

Shutting the door behind her, she looks at Dagoth, a small attempt at a smile coming to her face. " ... Hi," she says, holding out her hand to him.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 12:53 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 05:39 PM)

Dagoth eagerly takes Loranna's hand. 'Listen Loranna, I have this feeling that something, or someone, is bothering you more than usual. Care to tell me?'

Waiting for a response, Dagoth covers the porthole, and sheds his illusion. 'Ahh, much better.'

Posted by: Aki Jan 11 2005, 12:57 AM

QUOTE(One87xe @ Jan 10 2005, 06:39 PM)

<ooc>...well I was going to make a cameo appearance...but I have a severe case of writers block...lets just assume One and Ami are finishing their preparations to leave port...several Steam Centurions can be seen pushing what appear to be large carts filled with Drakes onboard the ships...the Centurions are being closely watched by a team of Imperial Soldiers...you can make out One shaking the captains hand as Ami boards the ship...he then joins her and they set off...err...yeah I guess that works...
P.S. assuming he's on the dock One makes a passing glance towards Reichi as his ship makes its way past...Reichi can now see the gold glimmering under the sun...One smiles really big as they pass by...<ooc>

Reichi noticed One as the ship past by. Though he didn't think one would recognize him at all now. Afterall, now Reichi's hair had returned to its original silver white hue and was short and unkempt. His large red blank dunmeri eyes had taken on the appearance of a Wolf's eyes. Except blood red in hue.

Then again, his ring did prove to be a dead give away most of the time. He wondered what all that gold was for. And why he had centurions loading it before.

"So, the Redgaurd is here as well." Reichi mumbled. "Heh. Aint seen him in awhile."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 12:59 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 06:43 PM)

Loranna smiles briefly at Dagoth, saying " ... Just ... everything coming to a head finally ..."

Her eyes suggest there's more to it than that, however.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 01:01 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 05:49 PM)

Loranna smiles briefly at Dagoth, saying " ... Just ... everything coming to a head finally ..."

Her eyes suggest there's more to it than that, however.

'Yes..... but your ever shifting eyes say more than you want to tell.'

Dagoth says this, noticing Loranna feeling bad about something.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 11 2005, 01:03 AM

Tholer Rathryon
One of the True Believers approached him, a one-eyed fellow good with a sword, but not good enough apparently scars covered his arms and torso from battles past. "What is it?" Rathryon said sharply.

"Saryoni is dead," said the mer. "He jumped-"

"What!?! That harlot has struck him down through her foul treachery, one of her spies must have killed him. I guess he did not need my counsel after all. Who could have gotten that close to him to kill him then make it look like a suicide? Someone near the top, yes that would have to be the case. What is the Temple saying about the wench?"

"They have proclaimed her a goddess. However there is some resistance to this idea. A large group of Dunmer are massing in Eboheart to oppose her."

"This is excellent news. We will go to Ebonheart then to aid them in their struggle."

"But there is also said to be a contingent of the Legion there as well." interjected one of the Dunmer in the group.

"Fighting alongside the legion. That is unconscionable, but perhaps these times dictate that we must join with one enemy to drive out a greater threat."

The large party boarded a boat, A few hours later a heavily laden vessel arrived at port in Ebonheart. Rathryon disembarked with his party.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 01:06 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 06:51 PM)

'Yes..... but your ever shifting eyes say more than you want to tell.'

Dagoth says this, noticing Loranna feeling bad about something.

Loranna feels a pang of self-recrimition at being reluctant to talk to Dagoth more openly; he'd been there since almost the beginning, listening to her, never complaining about her going on and on, just asking that she be herself with him ...

" ... Aricyn and I ended up spending the night together," Loranna tells Dagoth quietly. "I ... felt I needed to tell him how I felt, after everything we've been through since Skyrim, and it ... led to that."

She frowns. "In the morning, he was ... hurt."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 01:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 05:56 PM)

'.... I see.... how was he hurt? And if he hurt you in the process I swear I will.... wait no, need to keep my temper in line this time...'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 01:11 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 06:57 PM)

'.... I see.... how was he hurt? And if he hurt you in the process I swear I will.... wait no, need to keep my temper in line this time...'

Loranna closes her eyes and says " ... I don't know."

She sighs. " ... I ... have probably misjudged him."

Loranna's shoulders slump a bit. " ... Still not quite where I should be ..."

Posted by: Celezar Jan 11 2005, 01:23 AM

The Eldiras family tomb lay in ruin now, and the small house that lay a few miles up the nearby hill demolished by greedy land owners and bussines men, though even the land lay grey, dusty, and dead now. Within the ruined halls of the quiet little tomb great portraits lay, covered in cobweb and paint pealing, the grim faces of the Eldiras still looked alive as ever. A portrait of a young man with gleeming eyes and curled brown hair stood against one wall, his face addorned with a arrogant smirk, vaguely ressembling Celezar, another portrait lay there as well, this one a young boy, indicating an early death, his dull eyes stared lifelessly ahead.

There seemed to be no portrait of a father or mother, strangely enough, there were three caskets, each one labbeled appropriatly. "Here lies Meldrin Elidras, beloved mother, may she forgive her sons in death." one casket's message said, while another one had inscribed upon its grey surface "Here lies Verdan Elidras, honored father, may his punishment be swift to those of his bloodline.". The final one read "Here lies Celezar Elidras in spirit, though he still walks this realm, his death would bring honor to the Elidras family."

Something else lay there as well, something not dead, nor alive, it sat there, covered in dust, waiting, contemplating, plotting....

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 01:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 06:01 PM)

Loranna closes her eyes and says " ... I don't know."

She sighs. " ... I ... have probably misjudged him."

Loranna's shoulders slump a bit. " ... Still not quite where I should be ..."

Noticing Loranna's ackwardness, Dagoth tries to comfort her.

'Don't worry Loranna...... no one is quite where they should be.... at least, no one in this world. Just remember, I'll be here, always.'

As he says this, he embraces Loranna's thoughts slowly.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 01:29 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 07:13 PM)

Loranna's thoughts are a little slower than usual to return Dagoth's mental embrace - but she pulls him into a physical embrace and hugs him tightly, though she does refrain from cracking any bones this time.

" ... Thank you ..." she says quietly, her feelings a mix of sorrow and joy.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 01:35 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 06:19 PM)

Dagoth returns the physical embrace, silently thankful that she isn't crushing him this time.... not that he minded it.... much.

'You are thanking me enough by being here..... I just don't need to lose you...... don't want to....'

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 11 2005, 01:38 AM

The boxes loaded onto Loranna’s ship ultimately need to be unloaded and put on the other ships, as crowded as the first ship becomes with worshippers not wanting to be far from their beloved Incarnate. Jazbet leads the men carrying the equipment, and when he returns to the Incarnate’s boat, he is exhausted.

“Is that it?” the khajiit Dres Knight calls out. “Anyone we’re missing? Ship’s ready to sail!”

Posted by: Celezar Jan 11 2005, 01:40 AM

*Celezar lifts his head from contemplation*

"Eh? It appears our boat is leaving Celezar, I'm sure Master would'nt want us to miss this, eh?"

"Indeed, puppet, off we go!"

*Celezar scittered through the shadows of the docks upon his meat mount, its many legs reaching out towards the hull of the boat, latching and securing himself safely onto the boat's side*

"And away we go!"

*Celezar giggled*

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 01:41 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 07:25 PM)

Loranna starts to relax; Dagoth always was good at that.

" ... I don't want to lose you either ..." she says quietly. "Right now, you and Jazbet are the most important things in my life. ... And Allie too ..."

Loranna frowns. " ... Assuming I haven't misjudged her as well ..." she adds, feeling her spirits sink for a moment again. She pulls Dagoth a little closer, sighing.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 01:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 06:31 PM)

'Yah..... I'll admit, Jazbet is a good person..... perfect for doing those things for you which I can't, being dead and all. And Allie.... not sure about that voidwalking Welwa yet.... just stay alert when around her. Glad to know that I mean something to you.... most just consider me either something to destroy, something to fear, or something to use to their own ends..... makes me feel better than anything else to know that you are better than that...'

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 11 2005, 01:46 AM

Two-Tails rushed to the ship hge hoped they were still there, and luckly for him they were. The old Khajiit jumped onto the one of the ropes, and snuck onto the ship through a porthole. He knew he could prolly get onto the ships "legaly" but he prefered to do it this way, it was more fun.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 01:51 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 07:36 PM)

"We're the same, remember?" Loranna says, smiling a little. "You've just described my position in this whole mess almost to a T ..."

Loranna considers. Allie ... she felt she knew Allie at least a little, enough to have a trust in her. Still ...

" ... My family ..." Loranna sighs, her tone inscrutable. "That's it ..."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 01:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 06:41 PM)

'Your family? That's what? You're loseing me here love....'

Dagoth stood there utterly confuzzled.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 02:00 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 07:46 PM)

'Your family? That's what? You're loseing me here love....'

Dagoth stood there utterly confuzzled.

" ... It's why I do the things I do sometimes," Loranna says. "Because I'm still looking for something to call a family - and I still haven't mastered the art of truly listening. So ... things like last night happen."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 02:05 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 06:50 PM)

'I thought you had a family? Well, if you need something to cling to, just come to me. I know your life has been rough, and not all too happy.... I am just here to try and make it all better..... the best I can.'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 02:12 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 07:55 PM)

"I have a dead mother and a drunkard braggart father, and a stillborn brother," Loranna tells Dagoth, her face controting into a frown. "Not exactly a strong family. And I have some barmaids and a slightly drunken propriotor back in Cyrodiil, all of whom by now have probably forgotten me, beyond the ruckus I caused in Hearthfire. ... So ... I've been trying to find - or make - a family from those I'm travelling with."

" ... And that's probably been hurting them and me all along, because I'm probably trying too hard and not really listening."

She smiles a little. " ... I know you're here for me, and you do make things better. ... But someday, I should learn to stand on my own. Until then ... thank you for comforting me, love."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 02:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 07:02 PM)

Dagoth gets both a feeling of sadness and a warm feeling in his soul.

'I don't know what to say.... so I think that this might express my feelings better.' Dagoth pulls out an amulet of some kind. 'Take this.'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 02:21 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 08:08 PM)

Loranna lets go of Dagoth and takes the amulet, turning it over in her hand to admire the craftsmanship. "It's beautiful," she says, smiling and looking at Dagoth.

" ... It's magical, isn't it?" she asks with a slight chuckle.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 02:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 07:11 PM)

As Loranna holds the amulet, she feels a strong presence, like Dagoth's, only more complete.

'That amulet is magical, yes....... in a way it is me. Well, actually it contains me.....'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 02:24 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 08:13 PM)

As Loranna holds the amulet, she feels a strong presence, like Dagoth's, only more complete.

'That amulet is magical, yes....... in a way it is me. Well, actually it contains me.....'

Loranna blinks.

" ... Love ... I ..." she says, looking at Dagoth with her jaw agape.

" ... Are you sure about this? This isn't just a romantic gesture ..."

Loranna wonders how she could ever recriprocate such a gift ...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 11 2005, 02:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 10 2005, 07:14 PM)

'I have been wanting you to have it..... for a long time now.... so that you can feel the real me. Not just this skeletal form. Take it..... please.' Dagoth says, clasping his hand around Loranna's.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 11 2005, 02:39 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 10 2005, 08:16 PM)

'I have been wanting you to have it..... for a long time now.... so that you can feel the real me. Not just this skeletal form. Take it..... please.' Dagoth says, clasping his hand around Loranna's.

Loranna feels her eyes grow moist ...

... By all the gods ... he really is doing this ...

Trembling, Loranna starts to put the amulet around her neck, her tears striking the various materials that compose the jewelry. However, half-way, she stops ...

" ... Love, there's ... there's no way I can promise to keep this as safe as it should be," she says, her face burdened with a frown. "I'm not strong enough to safeguard this ..."

She lowers her arms, crying. " ... I'd ... I'd not be true to my love for you if I took this, knowing that I can't protect it the way it ought to be protected ... forgive me ..."

Posted by: Attrebus Jan 11 2005, 02:40 AM

And 200+ posts means it's time for a new thread.

Continued here:
http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45516