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

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 12:55 AM

Boilerplated intro ...

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

Part Twenty Six begins ...

===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna has been attending the reception in her honor, and has met a famous - and untutous - playwright, who has insisted he attend the opening night of his latest work. Loranna intends to complete her pilgrimage very soon but is thinking of going to the play, time permitting.

Posted by: Aki Jan 16 2005, 12:57 AM

Summary

Reichi has met some weird folks, including the floating cripplled breton Tris. And met Two-tails onces again.

Dar'Var, is still with the slaves, probably high on skooma.

Tarenen is starting to go insane, and might just launch a full scale attack on whatever canton Reichi is in.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 01:01 AM

Teleran is talking with Reichi and Two-Tails in Vivec.

Tholer Rathryon, Is tstill coming, albeit slowly, and now he only has about a dozen mer with him.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 16 2005, 01:08 AM

The Breton Arynel is currently at the reception.

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 16 2005, 02:51 AM

Summary:

Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, has just arrived at the reception with her battlemage, Herwyn. She is traveling incognito as Lady Farrine, though she has told Aricyn and Allerleirauh her true identity. A number of events have occurred recently of possible interest: she has run into Tris and Ciel (who as her former soldier she believed she had assassinated), but did not recognize him in disguise; she has learned from the Void Ranger assassin Leseth that an artifact called The Eidolon, which she had ordered excavated in High Rock had gone missing; and her former chief agent in Morrowind, Lord Liris, was killed in an ‘accident’ aboard the ship to Vivec, an event that is being investigated while Liris’s second-in-command Lord Faril takes charge.

Jazbet, khajiit knight of House Dres, is also at the reception. Elysana has asked him as a member of House Dres to bring one of her ships she sailed to Morrowind to Vivec. Currently, he is acting busy to avoid …

Baloth-Kul, a Dunmer playwright of dubious talents, who is also at the reception. His best known work is ‘The Horror at Castle Xyr,’ but he has a new play with a premiere at the Vivec Arena in a few days. Considering that he considers it bad luck to talk about the play, it is all that he can seem to mention in conversation. Baloth-Kul considers the Incarnate’s arrival in Vivec an excellent opportunity to bring attention to his play.

Bosriel, the little dark-haired girl, the Void Vampire, is with Leseth. She discovered that the Eidolon is missing, and it has upset her greatly for some reason. They are currently searching for it.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 16 2005, 04:01 AM

Summary:

Dur’el and Kasha wander around Vivec looking for a decent barber, while Allimar follows looking for a decent bakery.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 04:50 AM

Once the reception was over, the coming day found Loranna with the last leg of her pilgrimage before her. Three shrines, on two cantons - Daring, Generosity, and Courtesy; the first two were easily reached even by a procession, but the last one, being inside the Puzzle Canal, presented some minor challenge. The architects of the Puzzle Canal had never really planned on having hundreds and more people trying to get to the Shrine of Courtesy all at once.

After a brief moment to consider, Loranna decided the easiest way to handle the situation was to pay homage to the Shrines of Daring and Genorisity first, which would allow the procession to witness her pilgrimage as they wished. Once she finished visiting those two shrines, a signifigantly smaller number of people would accompany her into the Puzzle Canal, guards and representatives of the crowd as a whole. The difficulties a pregnant woman might face getting through the Puzzle Canal would be abetted somewhat by the blessing from the Shrine of Daring, and Loranna wasn't really all that concerned about getting wet - though she chose a simple, yet nice, outfit so that fine clothes need not be ruined by sloshing through the canal.

Thus the procession gathered once more, banners proudly displayed and songs sung in honor of the Incarnate Mother ... who was going to turn herself over to a Nord and who knew who else to face trial for her actions once the parade was over. Even a night and a morning had not been quite enough time for people to completely wrap their heads around this idea, but the will of the Incarnate Mother was the will of the Incarnate Mother; doubtless all would be made clear in time, even if right this moment few people could figure out what the blond, ashen-skinned girl was thinking.

As Loranna had learned since Gnisis and even earlier, large processions slow things down. Despite having gotten up and ready to start her pilgrimage early in the morning, it was getting close to noon before she knelt down at the Shrine of Daring and carefully placed her Potion of Rising Force in front of the Shrine, reading aloud the inscription for the benefit of the crowd. Having made her offering, Loranna floated back to let those in the procession make their own, finding a reserve of patience she didn't realize she still had.

Slowly, the procession walked and rose from the Temple to the Palace, where Loranna ascended to the top of the giant stairs to place her next offering of a hundred drakes in honor of those who died in the last war with Dagoth Ur. Again, others wished to mimic the Incarnate's actions, and Loranna watched as the afternoon wore close to evening as the crowd paid their homage.

Posted by: Aki Jan 16 2005, 05:09 AM

Vivec, somewhere on the Palace canton thing...

Reichi had watched as the pilgrimage neared its closure. Soon it would all end. This would be interesting to watch none the less.
--------------------------------------------------------

Ebonheart, Imperial Shrine

It had been said Helseth was in Ebonheart, that he opposed Loranna. If Tarenen was to gain any help against Loranna and her Procession. He knew would be with the King. Even if the King was a ear-clipping Poisoner.

The Breton appeared at the shrine, with two Hunters. He headed into Castle Ebonheart and found some sort of Guard. "Excuse me, i would ask for a audience with King Helseth."

He waited for the guard to reply.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 05:54 AM

Dante, is wandering around the temple canton....

Illidan, is.....uh.....somehwere

Inzoliah and Brum, Are hiding out in the underworks of the Foreign quater canton.

---------------

"Sir, we found something, come, quick!" Shouted an Ordinator, his voice filled with both happiness and exhaustion. The older dunmer man looked up from the papers he was reading over, sitting peacebly in the small cluttered room of the Ministry of Truth, hoping to uncover some record of who these people were.

"Very well, what is it you have to show me?" Asked the aged man, scratching his bald head with one hand and stroking his small grey goatee with the other, "A witness...sir, a prisoner we found in there, still wearing her bracer, they obviously didn't bring her along with them."

"Ah, very good, bring her in here, for interrogation..." He muttered, looking back over the desk as the guard left the room, returning momentarily with the small bosmer woman. "Now, what can you tell me about the breakout......?"

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 16 2005, 06:32 AM

Dur’el steps out of the foreign quarters of Vivec, sans his beard, and with his hair beautifully braided in a crossing pattern that circles his head. Kasha walks next to him with her hair cut to her shoulders and put in a ponytail. Lastly, Allimar follows behind, happily, and greedily smacking on sweet rolls in each hand.

“Who would’ve thought that a Redguard barber would be in Vivec, or Morrowind period?” Dur’el states, patting his head.

“Uh huh.” Kasha murmurs, uninterested. “Let’s find the others now.”

“Fine, don’t care that I look as good as the Gods themselves.” Dur’el says, checking himself out in a mirror he passes by.

Dur’el and Kasha walk off, while in the background Allimar trips, falls, and drops both his sweet rolls.

Posted by: Solin Jan 16 2005, 07:20 AM

Solin sat and watched for a time. The shadows grew as the afternoon wore into evening, as the procession continued. He had his message to give and then he would return to finish what had been started. Doubtless, Allerleirauh would be near the procession's head watching over Sen-Yedda. Arynel would be within reach from there. The mer smiled and rose from his seat. Without so much as a word he slid into the crowd which let him pass as if he were swimming.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 07:26 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 16 2005, 01:10 AM)

Loranna, looking over the crowd, spots Solin. Raising her eyebrows, she heads towards the Dunmer, albiet she needs to part the crowd a little more actively than he.

Soon, though, she's near Solin, and she says " ... Solin, hello; may I have a private word with you for a moment?"

Posted by: Solin Jan 16 2005, 07:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 15 2005, 11:16 PM)

Solin turns from his search to Loranna. His red eyes meet her shifting ones. After an awkward moment of silence passed he noded and indicated with gesture that she should lead the way.

Posted by: niceguy5 Jan 16 2005, 07:33 AM

Summary -

Dane is currently in the Vivec public libary. Ah, finally some piece and quiet Dane thought while taking the book Dance In Fire off the self.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 07:35 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 16 2005, 01:19 AM)

Solin turns from his search to Loranna. His red eyes meet her shifting ones. After an awkward moment of silence passed he noded and indicated with gesture that she should lead the way.

Loranna leads Solin to the most private corner of the Palace steps that she can manage for right now, requesting that her escort allow her and Solin a moment to speak uninterupted.

" ... You may or may not have heard this already, but I've announced my intention to turn myself in once this pilgrimage is complete. I've already asked Allie to be the Mercy for the trial, and Arynel to be Mastery, and both have agreed."

She pauses to take a breath. " ... I wanted to ask you if you would be willing to take the role of Mystery; I know it's a big thing to ask of you, but ..."

She trails off, the words she had meant to say sounding a bit false in her mind. She looks at Solin with a questioning glance.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 07:51 AM

The small bosmer woman didn't answer him, he frowned and asked again, "What, can you tell me about the prison breakout?" She still remained seated, shaking slightly, The aged man sighed after a few minutes of silence and stated "Listen, you're the only one who was here when it happened....who, managed to survive, we need your information if we are going to be having any chance of aprehending these criminals..."

The bosmer woman merely nodded to him, not speaking a word, "Alright then, now, this is the last time I'm going to ask before I let my friends here do it for me...What can you tell us?" She opened her mouth to respond, then quickly snapped it shut again and shook her head violently.

The man let out a much heavier sigh and said, "You guys handle this, I've got a headache, I'll return shortly..." The guards around him nodded as he left the room.

Posted by: Solin Jan 16 2005, 07:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 15 2005, 11:25 PM)

Solin watched as the guards depart with some reluctance on their part. “I only know what has been given to me to know,” he responded. “I came to speak with the others on that.”

He eyed Loranna gauging her intent.

“You would bring me into this?” he asked at last. “You know I bear neither you nor you mistress no great love. That I have labored to kill you not long ago. I will take all you give me and not return to you any quarter. The shelter is beyond you. This is what you would have?”

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 07:59 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 16 2005, 01:41 AM)

Loranna nods, sighing; her expression looks regretful.

"I should never have brought anyone into any of this in the first place," she tells Solin. "But I did, and I've made a mess of things. You and your companions know bringing Azura back to be worshipped was a bad idea, but I've gotten too many people worked up about her return to just tell them this is a mistake, or to simply have me drop out of the picture. To get the point across, I need to be taken down, publically - by having my crimes tried and showing what I have really brought back to the Dunmer people."

" ... I know you have no reason to love me; I probably would feel much the same way now if I were to meet my younger self. Despite that though ... I know you are a good person, and you know what ought to be done. And so, I'm asking you, to help me do the right thing for once in a long time, to try and undo the harm I've done before it becomes totally undoable."

Posted by: Solin Jan 16 2005, 08:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 15 2005, 11:49 PM)

The dark elf's eyes narrowed while he gazed at the ash skinned Nord. He nodded.

"So be it," he said with his light edged rasp. "But not for you. I must speak with the others now."

He tilted his head in what could be considered a slight bow and turned to resume his search for Allerleirauh and Arynel.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 08:12 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 16 2005, 02:00 AM)

Loranna nods, thinking to herself Fair enough ... as she watches Solin leave.

She looks back at the procession; it was almost time at last for her and her party to enter the Puzzle Canal. Good ...

===

As dusk fell, and Loranna and her party made their way into the Puzzle Canal, Loranna paused for the first time all day to wonder at Azura's silence ... but with the end of the pilgrimage so close to at hand, Loranna didn't dwell too much on that concern. Besides, even with the blessing of the Shrine of Daring, the Puzzle Canal wasn't a total pushover, though the Rats of Vicec learned to fear the party of the Incarnate Mother. Within a short time, however, Loranna stood in the center of the Puzzle Canal, reading the inscription about breathing the waters of His Glory that the way may be made clear.

After the things she had put herself through since she started this journey, and the things she had seen along the way, drowning herself seemed almost ... routine. It still hurt though, especially since it took some effort on her part to drown faster than Allie's healing potion could restore her lungs to normal working order. However, she breathed the waters of His Glory as proscribed ...

The Dremora Krazzt watched with long suffering as the pregnant ash-skinned Nord woman stepped forward, and he muttered " ... I won't ask; read the inscription ..."

Loranna smiled sadly and soon Krazzt had a silver longsword ...

===

As Loranna and her party came out of the Puzzle Canal, the waiting crowds gave voice to a loud cheer, torches and magical lights lit to dispel the night's darkness and illuminate the banners and the singers.

Loranna smiled, her silver tearstreaks catching the light, and she looked for Allerleirauh ...

Posted by: Arynel Jan 16 2005, 08:25 AM

Arynel looked around, and spotted a familiar looking Dunmer.

The Breton approached Solin, and said:

"Hello, friend. How does the path greet you? I have news, Loranna wishes to be tried for her crimes, in the traditional Dunmer fashion of a Tribunal. She has choosen both I and Allerleirauh, and I believe she also seeks you."

Posted by: Solin Jan 16 2005, 08:32 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 16 2005, 12:15 AM)

Solin turned to Arynel.

"Well greeted, late messenger," Solin responded with a slight smile. "I have both already been inquired upon by ashen-nord and returned my acceptance."

Solin stepped closer to the Breton.

"Where is Allerleirauh?" he asked lowering his voice to near a whisper. "I come bearing my own news."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 16 2005, 08:35 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 16 2005, 12:22 AM)

"Ah, I should have known you would have spoken with her." Arynel said. "Sadly, I do not know where Allerleirauh is at the moment, though I assume she is somewhere close by."

The Breton paused, and then whispered.

"What news do you bring?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 08:35 AM

Allerleirauh: Solunastra

As it happened, Allerleirauh was no longer with the party. She had returned home. The whole day, while the others were traipsing around in the wake of Loranna, she had been singing and weaving, weaving and singing, cutting and stitching, and now she was done.

She looked at her work and was appalled.

Dragon spoke to her.

"I found the little girl's name in a book; a modern work of historical fiction. But it seems the name was taken from ancient records. There are legends of such a spirit, a bloody one. I think I know now WHAT she is; and I have an idea how to fend her off."

He offered her a flower. It looked much like an ordinary white lily, faintly tinted with blue and pink, though the stem was somewhat different. The fragrance, however, was distinctive, strong and sweet and piquant. "This came from the true Solunastra, as if in response to my need. I've been travelling the Void with it, seeking her - don't look at me like that - and so far not been troubled. It may be simply that she's been distracted. But the flower gives off a faint light in the Void; and it helps you keep your wits about you. This is the only one that's grown so far. I suggest you give it to that Breton boy, she has a fancy for him, he needs it."

"That Breton boy has a name," Allerleirauh said, smiling.

"I know he does, and when he grows up a bit I'll call him by it. Now, godspeed, my dear," Dragon said.

She returned to the city of Vivec and found her way to the others.

Posted by: Solin Jan 16 2005, 08:51 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 16 2005, 12:25 AM)

Solin nodded to Allerleirauh as she appeared through the crowd.

“My labor will soon be completed,” he said voice still low. “I have progressed well. The only matter that remains is to give it motivation. I will speak with Master Demnevanni after the subject. Hopefully he will not be disinclined to hear out my request.

“How soon before we are ready?”

Posted by: Arynel Jan 16 2005, 08:56 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 16 2005, 12:41 AM)

Arynel nodded to the Dunmer.

"That is very good news, friend." The Breton whispered. "I wish you luck in your work, and speed towards its completion."

He leaned forward, and whispered a secret in Solin's ear.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 08:57 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 16 2005, 01:41 AM)

"We are ready NOW," Allerleirauh said. "Loranna is right, she should try to bring down what has been done before. I doubt that she will be allowed to do so. Have you noticed the weather? All seems fair... but those are not natural clouds on the horizon. Hurry, Solin."

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 08:58 AM

The aged man flew down from the Ministry of Truth and began to make his way towards the hall of justice, when he saw Dante, wandering around aimlessly, he approached him quickly.

"Stand straight Ordinator, why aren't you at your post?" He asked, tapping Dante on the shoulder...Not again.... "Well....uh....you see....I was just abou--"

"Hold it right there!" He interrupted "Why have you got greaves?" Dante looked at him a brief moment, then replied "Why not? why leave an area unprotected? it just stands to reason, don't it?"

"Hmm...I suppose, why are you wearing that ridiculous filthy cape?" Dante shrugged then said, "I like it, besides...it's an old family airloom, I wouldn't go anywhere without it..."

"Ah, where's your helmet? nevermind, I'll find you a new one..." Dante's eye shot open as he cried out "I don't wear a helmet, I don't need one and I'm sure as hell not going to start wearing one now.."

"You show alot of sass...a little too much for an ordinary guard, you telling me you're a captain now?" Dante let out a sigh of frustration what is going on? he thought, before he replied politely "Well...uh, not exact--"

"Great! I could use a good talk later, meet me in my quaters in a little while for some shein, if you're interested..." Dante noded politely and watched in horror as the aged man walked away.

"Damnit...." He muttered in a defeated tone, now, not only did they think he was an Ordinator, they thought he was a captain of them. You're digging your own grave here y'know.... Dante merely nodded his head in response.

Posted by: Solin Jan 16 2005, 09:07 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 16 2005, 12:46 AM)

"My thanks," the mer said.

He paused while listening to the secret.

"Your black page will take longer to see unarmed," Solin responded. "I shall inscribe it in my closest notes."

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 12:47 AM)

"Then I shall make all haste," the dunmer said looking to the skies. "The poison tongue whispered golden honey to me before. I would not be eaten. Farewell friends."

Solin bowed and slipped away back into the crowd.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 09:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 02:47 AM)

Loranna notices Allie talking with Solin and Arynel. Hmm; she'll come by when she's ready ...

While talking with some of the procession goers about the last shrine, and assuring people that yes, she really is going to be put on trial now, Loranna examines her own feelings, surprised at how calm she felt. It wasn't a calm born of a lack of anxiety; she still had concerns over who would show up at the trial to disrupt it or to advance their own agenda, and she still harbored doubts as to just how hale and hearty she would be at the end of the trial, but still ...

... Whatever the reason, I'm relatively relaxed now. I might as well enjoy that feeling, she decides.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 16 2005, 09:08 AM

Aricyn wandered Vivec, alone but for the wolf at his side and his own thoughts. He was about to wander back to the Temple canton, when he spotted a distinctive, familiar trio.

Striding up to Dur'el, a witty greeting on his tongue, he stopped himself. This was certainly the Redguard he knew, but...

Aricyn looked him up and down, without saying so much as a word.

The old wolf at his side had taken to sniffing Allimar so hard that he was threatening to knock him off his feet.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 09:13 AM

QUOTE(Solin @ Jan 16 2005, 01:57 AM)

"My thanks," the mer said.

He paused while listening to the secret.

"Your black page will take longer to see unarmed," Solin responded. "I shall inscribe it in my closest notes."
"Then I shall make all haste," the dunmer said looking to the skies. "The poison tongue whispered golden honey to me before. I would not be eaten. Farewell friends."

Solin bowed and slipped away back into the crowd.

Allerleirauh watched Solin go. Everything was coming together. But it would take a miracle to pull it off.

"So, did you give him my kiss?" Allerleirauh asked Arynel. "If you didn't, I want it back."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 16 2005, 09:15 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 01:03 AM)

Allerleirauh watched Solin go. Everything was coming together. But it would take a miracle to pull it off.

"So, did you give him my kiss?" Allerleirauh asked Arynel. "If you didn't, I want it back."

Arynel looks first left, then right, then straight towards Allerleriauh.

The Breton says nothing, but leans forward and plants a quick peck on the Nord's cheek.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 16 2005, 09:18 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 16 2005, 02:58 AM)

“See anything you like, or would you like to browse some more?” Dur’el says to the staring Aricyn. “Long time, no smell big A. I see Nords still don’t take showers.” Dur’el flashes his smile and slaps the sturdy Nord on the back.

“Nice to see you again, Aricyn.” Kasha calmly says to Aricyn looking concerned about other things. Kasha seems to be off in space.

Allimar retreats behind Dur’el and lowers all his fingers, but the middle one at the wolf.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 09:19 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 16 2005, 02:05 AM)

Arynel looks first left, then right, then straight towards Allerleriauh.

The Breton says nothing, but leans forward and plants a quick peck on the Nord's cheek.

"I'll be a while before Dragon calls you by your proper name, I think," Allerleirauh said, smiling widely. "He sent you a present; there's no romance involved."

She took out a small lacquered box, and opened it, to show the flower. "This comes from the True Solunastra. Dragon thinks it may ward off the creature that's been pursuing you from the Void, or at least help you keep your wits about you to resist her. Hopefully more will grow soon; Mirea needs one, and so does Doll. But she seems to have a particular fascination with you, so yours is the urgent case."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 16 2005, 09:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 01:09 AM)

Arynel nodded, and took hold of the blossom.

"My thanks," the Breton said, "I do wonder why I am of interest to her, but that is less important than the promise of these pedals."

The flower disappeared into his cloak.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 16 2005, 09:23 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Jan 16 2005, 03:08 AM)

“See anything you like, or would you like to browse some more.” Dur’el says to the staring Aricyn. “Long time, no smell big A. I see Nords still don’t take showers.” Dur’el flashes his smile and slaps the sturdy Nord on the back.

“Nice to see you again, Aricyn.” Kasha calmly says to Aricyn looking concerned about other things. Kasha seems to be off in space.

Allimar retreats behind Dur’el and lowers all his fingers, but the middle one at the wolf.

Aricyn smiled at the friendly insult and clasped Dur'el's arm. "You look... very different, and I don't mean the hair."

He looked seriously at Kasha.

"Grrwhrf," said the wolf.

"He says you smell of Akatosh. Where have you been, friend?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 09:31 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 16 2005, 02:12 AM)

Allerleirauh patted Arynel's shoulder and went to find Loranna.

"Loranna, my dear, you must stop skulking around and trying to sneak off, you're driving the Temple people crazy," Allerleirauh said lightly. "Remember these two words: leave me. They're essential to your sanity."

All is in order, I see. I've spoken with Solin and Arynel. There are a few things that must be done, and done by you, before we begin. Shall I instruct you?

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 16 2005, 09:35 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 16 2005, 03:13 AM)

Dur’el and his party past a concerned glance between all of them, as if they were holding a conversation without speaking.

“Uh...” Dur’el starts. “It’s a long story.” Dur’el shoots a look to Kasha.

She slowly nods.

Dur’el keeps his voice low and tells Aricyn his story. Of course exaggerating, and expanding certain parts. Long minutes pass before the story is finished...

“...so I was whipping the other me. I mean, I was making him beg for his momma, when Kasha shows up and shows me a way out. So I slap the other me one last time for good measure, then escape and end up here, with this note.” Dur'el holds up the crinkly, yellow, paper.

Dur’el, Kasha, and Allimar wait for Aricyn’s reaction.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 09:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 03:21 AM)

Loranna raises an eyebrow at Allie, and begins to chuckle. "Allie dear, that's the whole reason why we're about to string me up, isn't it? But point taken.

Yes, that would be good, she tells Allie. The pilgrimage is over now; I'm ready to do whatever needs to be done to get the trial set up.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 09:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 02:27 AM)

Then we should begin as soon as we can. See those clouds? The daM doG doesn't seem happy, Allerleirauh thought.

I spoke with the right people as soon as we arrived. There will be a proper hall set up for your trial; it's almost finished. These are very old laws, from the days before Houses, even. Velothi don't conduct such trials in a building that will later be used for any other purpose. They make a temporary shelter, and then it's torn down. It's just there, on the shore, you can see they are all but finished.

We are not your Tribunal yet. Although we have agreed to become your Tribunal when you should appoint us, first you must relinquish your right to our blood, and free us to persecute you. There are words, but you are not Dunmer, so all that's needed is for you to say that neither you, nor any other, may take revenge for anything we do against you in the course of the trial, on pain of Mark, in the name of Mephala. Do you understand? Then when you have freed us of your blood, you may speak to name us your Tribunal. There are words for that also, just a few about the reasons for your choices, but they are hardly needed.

Then a Dunmer priest speaks to bless the proceedings. Vehk blessed them himself, but he was god. I've spoken to the Temple, and a priest will say the words.

How are you managing?

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 16 2005, 09:48 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Jan 16 2005, 03:25 AM)

Aricyn reads the note, then carefully hands it back. He looks at the three of them again, and then smiles widely.

"Well, I think you three deserve a drink and a meal, on me! Well, we'll put it on the city's tab, actually.

"You should know, I can't imagine what it was like, but I do believe you. Strange things happen when the Gods take notice of you."

He led them back to the Temple Canton and introduced the trio to the proper people. He explained that they were highly trusted advisors and companions of the Incarnate Mother, and were to be shown proper hospitality.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 16 2005, 09:53 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 16 2005, 03:38 AM)

“You sure do know how to treat folks.” Dur’el says being fitted for new clothes. “More grapes, and beer!” Dur’el yells to a nearby servant.

“Yeah, and more sweet rolls.” Allimar squeaks in his high Bosmer voice.

Kasha walks away from the rest of the group and grabs Aricyn by the arm.

“I have to talk to you... alone.” She says.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 09:55 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 03:36 AM)

Loranna commits Allie's words to memory.

... I'm trying to hold on to some optimism that this will work out in the end in a way that lets me live and devote myself to my promise to clean my mess, she says to Allie. I saw the clouds however, and the card he left has been on my mind too.

... But it's not about me anymore, if it ever was; I'll do what has to be done, no matter what I have to push myself through to do it.

She smiles. ... You know how hard it was to drown with your potion still in my system? she jokes. I almost drank half the canal. ... Right; free you and the others from my blood, under pain of Mark, in the name of Mephala, then name the Tribunal, with a few words about the reasons if any come to mind.

... There anything else I should do or say? Before the trial itself gets started? Loranna asks.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 16 2005, 09:58 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Jan 16 2005, 03:43 AM)

Aricyn smiles at the two easily entertained men, and lets himself be led away.

His face is serious, yet friendly, as he waits for her to speak.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 10:02 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 02:45 AM)

Loranna commits Allie's words to memory.

... I'm trying to hold on to some optimism that this will work out in the end in a way that lets me live and devote myself to my promise to clean my mess, she says to Allie. I saw the clouds and the card he left have been on my mind though.

... But it's not about me anymore, if it ever was; I'll do what has to be done, no matter what I have to push myself through to do it.

She smiles. ... You know how hard it was to drown with your potion still in my system? she jokes. I almost drank half the canal. ... Right; free you and the others from my blood, under pain of Mark, in the name of Mephala, then name the Tribunal, with a few words about the reasons if any come to mind.

... There anything else I should do or say? Before the trial itself gets started? Loranna asks.

I believe that is all, Allerleirauh thought.

About HIM. Remember Dur'el, the Redguard? He almost died from Azura's miracle at Gnisis. But he was saved, not by submitting to Azura, but by finding his own miracle. We belong to ourselves, whatever the Aedra and Daedra may think. The doG can gnash his teeth terribly, it's certain, and I fear him more than any other of his kind. But in the end, the last waltz is your own, and your partner will be of your own choosing, whatever HE says. Remember that. Don't be taken in by him as you were once taken in by Azura.

What Azura hated most about the Tribunal was that they proved mortals need not be small and weak forever. Their power was stolen; but the power Vehk stole enabled him to discover a power none could take from him. His story does not end sadly. I will not have it be so. And yours - how does the third prophecy go, again?

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 16 2005, 10:07 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 16 2005, 03:48 AM)

Aricyn smiles at the two easily entertained men, and lets himself be led away.

His face is serious, yet friendly, as he waits for her to speak.

Kasha looks around and makes sure the area is secluded, even when she is satisfied she still speaks with a soft whisper.

“Since we got back from our “vacation” I’ve been having visions... and you where in one of them. It involved Loranna and you.”

Kasha pauses, lowers her head, and twirls her hair.

“I don’t know how to put this... I think... I think you hurt her in my vision.” Kasha raises her hands and quickly gets defensive. “Now I know these things aren’t fool proof, but I know what I saw. I just hope that you aren’t planing anything...” Kasha flinches. “...bad.”

Kasha raises her head and looks at Aricyn innocently, but demanding.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 10:08 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 03:52 AM)

Loranna smiles. I will die and yet never die, she repeats.

... Which can still be taken a lot of ways and may mean I've committed myself to a truly gargantuan task after all this that'll feel like it takes forever to complete, she says, looking thoughtful. Oh well; there wasn't much future in being a barmaid anyway.

... I'm not going to let him take me, she tells Allie. I once said he was both the bloody madness and the crazy spark that brings great things, but that was wrong - like Dur'el proved, those moments of greatness come from ourselves, not from outside of us. We may take inspiration from the world around us but it's still our hearts doing the deed.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 10:14 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 02:58 AM)

Loranna smiles. I will die and yet never die, she repeats.

... Which can still be taken a lot of ways and may mean I've committed myself to a truly gargantuan task after all this that'll feel like it takes forever to complete, she says, looking thoughtful. Oh well; there wasn't much future in being a barmaid anyway.

... I'm not going to let him take me, she tells Allie. I once said he was both the bloody madness and the crazy spark that brings to great things, but that was wrong - like Dur'el proved, those moments of greatness come from ourselves, not from outside of us. We may take inspiration from the world around us but it's still our hearts doing the deed.

Don't sell him short. The light of inspiration comes through the cracks. You can't be in control AND inspired. And he's... well, he's the Sithis-shaped hole in the universe, isn't he? He lets many things in. Including light. Neither is Azura entirely a demon. Or, I should say, she's a necessary demon.

But these distinctions are for those who have leisure and inclination for philosophy. Which is a field into which you should never have ventured. Accept that Azura belongs on the outside of you, not the inside - and I'll teach you to make a proper sweetroll. You can open a bakery, and hire barmaids. Fixing the universe is something that doesn't happen overnight.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 16 2005, 10:19 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Jan 16 2005, 03:57 AM)

Aricyn looked at her hard.

"Visions can be difficult to live with. In some parts of Skyrim having them is considered a curse.

"I'm planning no such thing, but neither does the thought shock me.

"You should know that this is not the first vision that I've heard tell of my future. These are dangerous, important times. The fate of all people, Men, Mer, all of us, teeters near the edge. I'm not going to let it fall, but I don't yet know which way I'll need to push.

He smiled and gently brushed a loose hair out of her face.

"Experience sits well on you.

"Don't worry. If your visions are meant to change what will be, then they will."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 10:19 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 04:04 AM)

Loranna closes her eyes and considers Allie's words. Opening a bakery didn't quite sound like what she had meant when she promised Ciel and Tris she would clean up the messes she had made, however ...

I have wanted to learn more about cooking, she says thoughtfully. ... And you're right about fixing the universe - and there's many ways to make things better too ...

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 16 2005, 10:27 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 16 2005, 04:09 AM)

Aricyn looked at her hard.

"Visions can be difficult to live with. In some parts of Skyrim having them is considered a curse.

"I'm planning no such thing, but neither does the thought shock me.

"You should know that this is not the first vision that I've heard tell of my future. These are dangerous, important, times. The fate of all people, Men, Mer, all of us, teeters near the edge. I'm not going to let it fall, but I don't yet know which way I'll need to push.

He smiled and gently brushed a loose hair out of her face.

"Experience sits well on you.

"Don't worry. If your visions are meant to change what will be, then they will."

Kasha smiles a smile that would make a God give up immortality. Her response didn’t need to be said. She nodded slightly and walked back to Dur’el, who was looking at her oddly.

“What was that?” Dur’el asks suspiciously.

“What?” Kasha snaps back.

“I saw you over there, talking, and smiling. What’s up with him touching your hair? I don’t play that stuff.” Dur’el breaks away from the tailor, that was working on his clothes. “I’m going to go over there and tan his backside.”

Kasha rolls her eyes. “Grow up, Dur’el.”

“Grow up? You don’t talk to me like that...”

Dur’el and Kasha continue to argue and cause a scene while Allimar orders more food.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 16 2005, 10:30 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Jan 16 2005, 04:17 AM)

Aricyn smiled. True love always made him smile.

He knew when to make a smooth exit, though, and so he did, leaving the three to their well-deserved comforts.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 03:09 AM)

"When is the play, do you know?" Allerleirauh asked out loud, changing the subject.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 10:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 04:29 AM)

"When is the play, do you know?" Allerleirauh asked out loud, changing the subject.

"Tomorrow night; I've been promised the best seat in the house for myself and my companions," Loranna says.

"Want to get the trial setup done tomorrow morning, then see the opening performance?" she asks Allie. "I'm presuming the trial's going to be more than a single day, unless I'm grossly miscalculating."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 16 2005, 11:01 AM

In the middle of arguing with Dur’el, Kasha’s head begins to throb, and burn, like thousands of searing hot needles are poking her all at once, in her forehead. Kasha drops to her knees and holds her head.

Dur’el’s anger quickly disappears. “What’s wrong?”

Kasha doesn’t respond.

“Kash, what’s wrong? Have another vision?” Dur’el says, bending down to her.

Kasha quickly stands up, as Dur’el grabs her by her shoulder. She quickly shakes his hand off.

Kasha turns and looks Dur’el straight in his eyes. “If you tell someone their future it no longer becomes a straight line, but an unavoidable, undesirable conclusion, with multiple paths, that lead to the original conclusion, anyway.” Kasha grabs Dur’el by his shoulders. “Remember, in the end all things will be, what they are meant to be.”

Kasha pauses to make sense of her vision. “You will be faced with a decision, and when that time comes I hope you choose the right path.” Kasha then leans over and whispers in Dur'el's ear.

Dur’el wrinkles his brow in deep thought and confusion.

“I think we should rest for the rest of the evening.” Kasha demands more then suggests.

Kasha walks off, as Dur’el and Allimar silently follow.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 11:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 03:32 AM)

"Once the trial begins, all bets are off," Allerleirauh said. "I feel it in my bones; or perhaps that's just the weather. We should begin as quickly as possible. I'm sure the bailiff will allow you to go and see a play in the evening."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 11:09 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 04:54 AM)

Loranna sighs.

" ... Yeah; I have the same feeling in my bones too," she tells Allie.

" ... I would like to learn that sweetroll recepie once this is over, but I may not be the one left to learn it. But we'll see; all we can do is what we know to be right, and take what comes as it comes and work from there."

Loranna runs her hands through her hair. " ... I spend too much time letting the sad thoughts gain proeminence; surely even here in the Dunmer's homeland there's something to bring a smile to Nordic faces, yes?"

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 16 2005, 11:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 04:59 AM)

Aricyn walked by and eyed the two women.

"Girl talk?" he asked, but his voice came out less jovial than he would've liked.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 16 2005, 04:12 AM)

Aricyn walked by and eyed the two women.

"Girl talk?" he asked, but his voice came out less jovial than he would've liked.

"We were discussing the trial," Allerleirauh said. "Which you haven't commented on. I assume it meets with your approval?"

She leveled her eyes at him; but there was something else in them, something difficult to read.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 11:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 05:16 AM)

Loranna looks back and forth between Aricyn and Allie and asks " ... Should my ears and thoughts be elsewhere now?"

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 16 2005, 11:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 05:16 AM)

A slightly tight smile crossed his face.

"Not my decision, is it?

"Loranna is doing what she thinks is right, and that's all anyone can ask of another person. I just hope she still thinks so tomorrow. Decisions that put your fate in the hands of others are dangerous," he said, and contined down the long staircase.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 16 2005, 11:32 AM

Allerleirauh rested her hand briefly on Loranna's shoulder.

"You're fine as you are. I'm going to go check on the work that's being done. Rest. You'll need your strength tomorrow."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 16 2005, 11:34 AM

Loranna nods, looking at the retreating figure of Aricyn and saying to Allie " ... He's got a point, but then few people go and try to be goddesses they don't fully understand too. Dangerous choices are still sometimes necessary."

She smiles briefly at Allie and then makes her way to the private chambers that had been prepared for her - now, technically, her prison.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 12:04 PM

Dante made his way into the Hall of Justice, he had no idea where he was supposed to go to meet this man, luckily, he caught him just as he was ducking out of a small room, "Ah, there you are, I was just going to go out and get a couple bottles of Shein, please...go in sit down, I'll be back shortly."

Dante did as he was told, the room was suprisingly large, it had a small table, scattered with open books and cups, a few bookshelves, the books that once resided on them were replaced with a few empty bottles.

He sat down on a old worn chair next to the table and began to tap his fingers along it's wooden surface, producing a rather nice rythem, shortly the aged man returned and placed three large bottles of Shein in the centre of the table.

"Um..sir, I think there's been a mistake..." He started, only to be interrupted by the old man "Sir? please, we are equals here, you may call me Yen, Yen Aram's my name, an may I ask...what is yours?"

"Dante" He blurted out, quickly followed by "There has definately been a mistake here..." Yen looked up at him, his firey red eyes tracing him up and down, "Mistake, you wouldn't just be pretending to be an Ordinator so you can wear the armour?" He asked, still looking Dante over.

"Well....uh....um....no" He lied, patting a bit of sweat off of his forehead, "Well great, here have this..." replied Yen, sliding Dante a cup of Shein, Dante smiled politely and sipped joyfully from it.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 12:36 PM

As the crowd dispersed with the ceremony's conclusion, Teleran started walking through the city and eventually made his way to the alchemists iin the Foreign Quarter. After restocking his pack of potions he decided to go to the Arena in the hopes that he might get a glimpse of the preparations for the play tomorrow. He left the alchemists, but as he approached the Southern bridge from the Foreign Quarter he noticed some Ordinators heading towards him.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 12:50 PM

The two Ordinators stopped an whispered to each other for a moment, "Hey, isn't that the guys we're supposed to be looking for?" One asked, pointing directly at Teleran, "Hmm, yes, dunmer....blue eyes, that's the guy..."

The two of them slowly approached Teleran, holding their hands infront of them, "Sir, we need to ask you some questions, could you come with us please?"

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 12:56 PM

Teleran almost jumps out of his skin when hears himself addressed by the Ordinators.'I didn't think anybody saw me when I stole those potions, or that bottle of brandy, or that haughty altmer's coin, or that dagger, or that...'

"Why you want me to come with you?" he asked with exaggerated calmness, 'Musn't start a fight with Ordinator's or I'll never be able to enter the city again. Musn't start a fight with Ordies or I'll never...'

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 01:01 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 06:46 AM)

"Just to confirm some questions we have, please sir, come quietly with us to the Ministry and there won't be any trouble on yours, or our hands."

One ordinator began to approach Teleran, whilst the other stayed back, his hand held firmly around the handle of his mace, lest there be any trouble.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 01:06 PM

'This seems a bit much for petty theft. Oh well, I suppose I can just get myself out of there as soon as they're finished trying to repossess everything.' Teleran thought, "Alright, I don't want any trouble. I'll come along. Questions about what?"

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 01:10 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 06:56 AM)

"Questions about how your accomplises broke out of the ministry of truth, come along then, quickly." said one of them, who was leading the way across the bridge, the other Ordinator close behind Teleran with his mace in hand, nudging him along the way, keeping him in pace.

The Ordinator up front whispered something in a nearby Ordinators ear and he ran off, towards the hall of Justice, as fast as his legs could carry him.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 01:17 PM

QUOTE(w0nders @ Jan 16 2005, 03:00 AM)

"Accomplices?" Teleran blurted. 'What do they mean accomplices. I don't have any friends who has ever been in the ministry, let alone broken out. They must have me confused with someone else, though I'll can't figure out how they could manage that with my eyes.'

"I think you have me mistaken for someone else, good sirs." He said as he tried to move out of the way of the mace. 'I'm gonna cut that thing to pieces if he keeps pushing me along with it.'

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 01:24 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 07:07 AM)

"No no, we have the right guy alright, you're a dunmer, with blue eyes, it's not easy to mix up that description.." stated the man infront, quickening his pace.

The Ordinator behind Teleran did the same thing, blocking him off as he tried to get out of the way, "Don't try anything funny hot shot" he snarled from beneath his mask.

Vivec, Hall of Justice, Yen's quaters-

An Ordinator burst through the door, "Sirs! we have another person heading to the ministry right now for interrogation, one of the escapees accomplises!"

Yen let out a loud laugh, "Very good, come quickly Dante...we must see to this Interrogation" Yen scooped up the bottles of Shein and headed out the door, Dante following not too far behind.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 01:30 PM

'What have I done to deserve this attention? Then he remembers the prison break and thinks to himself. And why would they think I have anything to do with that?' Teleran matches the speed of the Ordinators, "I won't." he said, worry creeping into his voice.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 01:36 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 07:20 AM)

The small group began to cross the bridge into the temple canton, if they looked hard enough, they could make out 3 figures entering the Ministry, the Ordinator who was leading cast a levitation spell and slowly began to ascend.

"Here, drink this..." Snarled the Ordinator behind him, shoving a levitation potion in his face "And be quick about it."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 01:39 PM

Teleran drank the potion in a single gulp. "Blech. You added something extra to this to give it that...memorable taste, didn't you?" Then he followed the Ordinator into the air.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 01:42 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 07:29 AM)

Teleran drank the potion in a single gulp. "Blech. You added something extra to this to give it that...memorable taste, didn't you?" Then he followed the Ordinator into the air.

"heh, as awlways.." Chuckled the Ordinator, casting his own levitation spell and following him up. Eventually he was led into a small room where the aged man Yen sat, not too far behind him stood Dante, not really in contempt with this whole thing.

"Have a seat..." Said Yen, softly, motioning with his hand towards the old wooden chair infront of Teleran.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 01:48 PM

Teleran took his seat then looked from Dante to the old man, then his eyes snapped back to Dante in surprise. "Dante!?!" He said incredulously, "I didn't know you were an Ordinator. Can you tell these friendly fellows that I didn't do anything?"

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 01:56 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 07:38 AM)

Dante's own eye snapped open and he started to laugh nervously, "hehe, Teleran...how did you find yourself in this situation?" Before he could answer another Ordinator cried out "He is allies with those tattooed men, Azura herself got this information from one of them."

"The tattooed men? Teleran, you are allied with these people?" Asked Dante, rather shocked at the news he was hearing.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 02:03 PM

"I did some odd jobs for them, nothing more. Why, what have they done? They were a bit quiet, but that ain't a crime. Is it?" Teleran asked growing quite confused. 'What did they do? And for that matter, why do the Ordinator's think I helped them? Do they have something to do with those Werebeast-Hunters Reichi mentioned?'

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 02:08 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 07:53 AM)

"If what this person says is true, we've wasted a great deal of time here, let this man go..." Snarled Yen, motioning for Teleran to stand, the Ordinators both grunted angrily and let him leave, "I'll keep an eye on him Yen" stated Dante, stepping forward, and places his hand on Telerans shoulder, rather roughly I might add.

"Very well, here, take this...it could come in handy..." called out Yen as the two were leaving, he threw Dante an exquisite ring, Dante caught it, then pocketed it, "Thanks..." he muttered as the two of them left.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 02:12 PM

"Spill it. Who are they? And why am I here and not them? Also, where's Illidan, I haven't seen him since...Balmora?" Teleran said to Dante as soon as they were alone, somewhat irked by Dante's rough manner. "Do you really intend to keep me locked up in this hole?"

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 02:18 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 08:02 AM)

"Who? the tattooed people? I have no clue, nor do I know where Illidan is right now...." He leaned in closer to Teleran and whispered, "And I'm not really and Ordinator so would you mind keeping it down a little?"

Dante looked at his new-found ring and saw that it had a levitate enchantment on it, he grinned at himself, "No, I don't intend to keep you here, infact, we can leave right now...just be quick about it..." Dante added, slipping the ring onto his finger.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 02:24 PM

Teleran shook his head in amazement, "The Ordinator's really need to tighten up their security. A prison break earlier, and now they let you bluff your way among them. I'm moving." He got up and headed out of the room and waited for Dante to lead him out.

Posted by: w0nders Jan 16 2005, 02:29 PM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 08:14 AM)

Dante sighed, then headed out of the door, he led Teleran outside and the two began their descent, "Well, you might aswell think of as me as an Ordinator now, because, as far as they're concerned, I am one..." The two touched down on the ground and Dante patted Teleran on the back, "You're free to go."

Posted by: Teleran Jan 16 2005, 02:36 PM

"Thanks for the help. I don't think you can take that for granted. You were supposed to keep a guard on me if I remember correctly. And I don't believe they take kindly to losing prisoners. For now I'm going somewhere they won't see me. I'll pay you back sometime." Teleran said before he dove off the canton, heading for the Foreign Quarter underworks.

Posted by: Nalion Jan 16 2005, 03:09 PM

With a flash of light, Nalion appeared near the steps leading to the High Fane. Brushing off the dust of the road, he looked around. The remnants of a festivity can be clearly seen. As always when he was in the Temple Canton, he could not help looking up to the Ministry of Truth looming threateningly over the city, as if it would fall down onto the Canton any moment. It was said of the rock that Vivec stopped this shooting star from destroying the city, but "kept his last intention intact".
Nalion shuddered upon the though of an impact of this size.

But there was something unfamiliar about it, something was wrong. Nalion touched his Dagger of Senses and his vision grew clearer. Pieces of rope and wood hung from a place where he remembered a walkway.
"Has there been an escape? From the Ministry of Truth?" he muttered, rising an eyebrow. His gaze moved from the Ministry down to the Temple. Near the walls lay a dented piece of armour, the breton mage could clearly see the remains of Indoril colours.
"What has happened here?" Nalion wondered. He passed through the archway of the Temple and climbed the stairs. Priests were gathering the offerings made at the Shrine of Generosity.
"So the Pilgrimage is over. I think I have to make inquiries." he thought, then turned away, heading for the Foreign Quarter to seek a room.

Posted by: Hungry Donner Jan 16 2005, 09:14 PM

(CaptainAnnoyingMEOWMEOW has been banned, and neutered)

Posted by: Sheogorath Jan 16 2005, 10:35 PM

Two ships of Wayrest design entered the Inner Sea, coming from opposite directions.

From the north through the Sea of Ghosts came a ship bearing but one package, a sealed box, fifteen feet long and four feet tall . It had been sent from Wayrest and its destination was Ebonheart.

From the south came the second ship. It had been part of Elysana’s small fleet, and had been anchored in the port near Tel Dres for some time. By order of Lord Dres Jazbet, it was sailing for Vivec.

Both ships would arrive tomorrow morning.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 02:20 AM

Tris's journal, 16 Morning Star

Think this journal had better continue to be my confidante for a while. Ciel - maybe I'm reading too much into other people - don't think he's the sort to appreciate emotional outbursts. He'd be kind, certainly, but he'd have to be kind. Don't want his kindness. So the pathetic insecurity belongs in writing, not speech.

This isn't like me. But then never been the one who chased after someone and caught him before. Always the one chased, the one who moved on.

What was I doing last night? I could have gotten us both killed, just because I was bored at a party. I guess I've always been like that. It's why Leseth came after me. It hit me really hard - the god of madness himself thinks the world is more fun with me having both feet. I can't keep doing this. I can't run fast enough to get away anymore, and Ciel never could.

Besides, running didn't work, in the end.

Woke with the worst panic attack yet. Wanted to wake Ciel up so badly - been enough of a baby already. Looming terror that once he figures out how pathetic I am, he'll decide he's made a huge mistake and move on. Dragon said I'm too gentle. Sword training - said some people can't deal with seeing their own sword cut into another person's body. As if he needed to tell me that.

Thinking of Domnar, the only duel I've ever won - only duel I've ever been in - over - something stupid, can't remember. Dom would have duelled a jackrabbit if it sat up and looked him in the eye. We were both drunk, but he was drunker or I never would have hit him in the face. Nice clean cut above the eye, blood everywhere, he cursed me because it ran down and stung his eye. And me shaking, crying, all our friends all over us, trying to calm me down. 'Tris, look at my face,' Dom ordered, and he had a point - massive broken nose, scars everywhere, the one I gave him hardly showed. Trying to get me drunk, finally took me to bed just to shut me up I think. Dear old Dom, in your pauper's grave in Anticlere somewhere, hanged for murder after you duelled the Duke's nephew. I loved you, you know. But I had places to be, and you couldn't keep up.

Laughing now, thinking how in the far future some scholarly gentleman will get stuck reading this, writing introduction and commentary, "Although a witness to events of global importance, all Tris Gaerington seems to find worth recording is his own emotional state." But they'll have Ciel's journal for the relevant facts. Ciel's the one who caught people and interrogated them and listened to my report after I got my Armiger buddies to spill that they hate being in Vivec, having to deal with the Ordinators, because the Ordinators were interrogating some prisoner and wouldn't let them near her. Ordinators were never Vivec's people, they were a gift from Almalexia - her way of keeping an eye on her boyfriend I guess - and the two groups clash over methods and ideology.

No grand conspiracy, as far as we can tell, just some lucky buffoons who escaped from prison and don't really want to go back. In the olden days I would have waltzed my tail into the Ministry of Truth and checked it out for myself. Instead, I'm still having a panic attack, writing in this journal, and... I hear morning outside. This morning, we find out if Loranna keeps her promises.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 02:39 AM

16 Morning Star - Mid Morning

The hall which had been recently erected for the trial was already bustling by the time Loranna was escorted to the scene. No one wanted to miss what promised to be a most interesting - and rather unusual - spectacle.

All eyes turn to the entrance as Loranna, the Incarnate Mother, walks into the newly-constructed hall, clothed in a simple yet elegant blue dress, which matches her eyes half the time.

Loranna looks over the hall, her silver tearstreaks giving her face a sad-seeming counterance. The procession had been huge, but now the crowd assembled dwarfed even her pilgrimage's following. It was enough to make most anyone nervous, but she had been building to this moment for too long to let nervousness take hold.

She opens her mouth and pitches her voice to be heard even by the far reaches of the crowd:

"People of Morrowind, and of other lands far and near, welcome."

"Today, we hold trial to address my transgressions - I, Loranna Pyrel, Nord barmaid, who took the Daedra Prince Azura into herself and who would have fancied herself a savior and a benefactor, returning the Dunmer's goddess to her people and heralding a new and happy era. We shall see how close to that ... vision ... the course of events really was."

"I have chosen the Tribunal that shall judge me; know you all now that I relinquish my right to their blood. Neither I nor anyone else shall take revenge for anything the Tribunal does against me in this trial. This shall be, under pain of Mark, in the name of Mephala."

Loranna pauses for a moment, taking a breath.

" ... So it shall be; the Tribunal is now freed of my blood. I now name them."

"The Mercy, Allerleirauh; your mercy has been proven before and shall be called upon again, here and now."

"The Mystery, Solin; you have walked in the very house of mystery itself, and the secrets you have learned shall guide you in this trial."

"The Mastery, Arynel; you have proven yourself a master several times in the journey that has led us to this juncture. Your mastery shall show itself once again, here and now."

Posted by: B Jan 17 2005, 02:43 AM

In a section of the hall where no one had been standing a second before, the Psijic known only as B watched as Loranna entered the hall and addressed the audience.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 02:48 AM

Arynel entered the trial hall. His image was the semblance of a traveler--simple garb, common pants and shirt that seemed so, unless closer inspection was made. Over his shoulders he wore a cloak.

The Breton nodded once to the crowd, and once to Loranna, but he said nothing.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 17 2005, 02:50 AM

Dagoth heard Loranna's speech, and headed for the trial hall.....

'And so it begins.... the beginning, of the end..... of Loranna's imprisionment by hosting Azura..... the daedra gets what she deserves for what she did to Loranna......

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 02:53 AM

Reichi watched and listened. This trial would be very interesting. something for the history books. something that could make or break Morrowind. Not that Reichi cared to much about Vvardenfell despite growing up there Neverless, he continued to observe the proceedings.

Posted by: Issa_Yojimbo Jan 17 2005, 03:10 AM

Issa walks into the trial hall.

After having been seperated from the Parade, he finds himself in a confused and helpless situation.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 03:14 AM

Aricyn stood, watching. He wore not his velvet dress doublet, but full armor. This might, after all, be the day that all his plans came crashing down around his ears.

The old wolf stood at his side, for once wide awake.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 03:15 AM

After a night spent hiding in the canalworks of the foreign qurater Teleran was not in the best of moods. He found his way to a clothier and bought a cowled cloak. Then he walked to the trial hall just ouside Vivec, hoping that no Ordinators would look under the hood.

He reached the trial hall uneventfully and took a place in the midst of the expectant crowd to wait for things to get underway. "This will leave an indelible mark on Tamriel forever, won't it?" he said to no one in particular, suddenly awestruck by the feeling that these proceedings would be remembered forever, and he would be there to see them.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 03:19 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 07:29 PM)

Allerleirauh stepped forward, joining Loranna at the front of the room. She wore white.

"Loranna Pyrel, I stand ready to condemn you, to the best of my ability. And let me say again that there is no question of mortals putting Azura on trial. It is Loranna Pyrel, Azura's vessel, who stands charged here, and it is of her own free will that she comes here. If Azura would be brought to justice, it must be by a higher court than this one."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 03:26 AM

Dur’el and Kasha stand a few feet behind Aricyn, sans Allimar, listening to Allerleirauh's words carefully. Dur’el's, face is devoid of his humor, and arrogant smirk he normally wears. He looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and his mind. Kasha stands next to him, looking equally troubled with her arms folded.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 03:32 AM

Arynel took a breath, and stepped foward, standing beside Loranna and Allerleirauh.

"So have I been charged with this, and I agree to walked this path so far as it goes. May it end in the proper delivery of justice. I will leave for a moment, and seek after Solin."

The Breton bowed to the crowed, then turned and bowed to Loranna and Allerleirauh. He turned and walk out of the building. Once outside, he whispered a string of power.

He fell past historical measure

And walked past the proper significance of duty

The air was alight with a mechanical hum, before him was a device he had not yet seen--but instantly knew its purpose. Solin sat nearby, his eyes staring blankly, unfocused.

Arynel frowed. "I am sorry, friend, I know of none other I would wish to stand beside me in this deed. May your recovery be swift, may this place take no more of you than can be recovered."

The Breton took the device and returned to the void.

__________________________________________________________________

"I have returned." Arynel said, taking his place again next to Loranna and Allerleirauh. "I fear for Solin, he has fell victim to the madness of City of Mystery. May his wisdom be with us in this."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 03:37 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 16 2005, 08:22 PM)

"Solin -"

Allerleirauh bowed her head a moment and tried to collect her thoughts. They had, all of them, been willing to put their lives, and more, on the line to bring Loranna down. Solin's was not even the greatest sacrifice - Master B had not even spoken of the price he had paid, she could only guess it.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 03:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 09:27 PM)

Loranna's expression grows sorrowful. "Solin ... "

" ... Yes; let his wisdom be with us today, and may that his madness be a fleeting thing, gone before any of us could miss his presence."

Taking a deep breath to calm the worry she feels for Solin, Loranna nods to the priest. " ... We will continue without Mystery for now, and pray for his speedy return. Please perfom your duty, sir."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 03:59 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 09:44 PM)

An aged but solid Priest of the Temple, draped in gold and white robes, nodded and stepped forward. At the raising of his hands, all fell silent in the hall.

"In the name of the lord of the middle air I bless these proceedings to earth and earth, where the meddlers take no stones except to blood, as blood IS blood, and to the cracking of bone, as bone IS bone, and so to crack and answer and fall before the one and one, I call you Dragon as brother and king, flame-faced, turgid, accounted, crowned in hours, see this as wanted and so to write, set letter, set in time, and I call you Wife, sister and queen, hole and throne, wet, spending, moan'ed before marriage, see this as wanted and so to wed, led-to-loved, set in never, GO DOWN AE ALTADOON DEN, for trailed it is in slime we make our babes and the walker heeds no mock of dirt, until you, until you, there, I call you there, I call you Proud One, brother-by-death, worker, admonisher of waiting ones, the takers of wage without, beaten, unmoved, willed to rise by morning, see this as wanted and so to build, bricked and mortared, set like walls, and there so set as hearth, by whose heat I call you Rain, maiden unmade, bled, untouched and so to red ever, unto the earth, as egg IS egg, see this as wanted, and so to shower, red unruined, set in wonder, BIRTH AE PADHOME, as I call you Wrapped In Rags as self and self, as handheld summer, grinding wise, all our chieftains turned to crops, RKHET the Taker now took, for this is wanted, set your seven swords, sensible if left for dead, SEE NOW GHARTOK AE SALOMET, so shall I call you Womb-Ridden, spoilt spiller, sister-heliopause, come and come, match black swallow of these, the running monies, whose vendors lay playing golden, star and city, all of one to your only bed, because this is wanted, IS want, and so to swell them, set and entered, SEHT AE DWEM, I call you Wounded as my war brother, speared and thrown down, STENDR, rebuilt like mercy, lake-faced and lamp'd, spoke in water, this is wanted, give it grace, set in stillborn heavens, AE, I call you Lock-step, math athlete, theorem-teethed biter, grand answer, stay skyward from your line, symbol-gutter, this is wanted, set sequence, may you trace it for them with string, grim engine JHNAL AE THE EARTH AM, through Eight I bless it EARTH AM AS EARTH AM"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 04:01 AM

Loranna nods as the blessing is complete.

"I would like to make an opening statement before we begin, to try and briefly sum up the events for which I will be judged for those who may not know the whole story," she says, a rueful smile coming to her face. "Though brevity was never my strong point ... but here."

Loranna turns to face the assembled crowd, saying " ... Almost a year ago, the Daedra Prince Azura appeared to me in a dream, telling me that I had been chosen to house her as she walked among we mortals and returned to her people. I had always loved both dusk and dawn, magical moments in my eyes, and so I accepted this destiny, seeing myself as a heroine who would help her beloved goddess and bring prosperity and light to her people, the Dunmer."

"With Azura within me, I made myself known to the world first in Cyrodiil, and then in High Rock, seeking to show that Azura could walk among mortals and to find champions to assist me in my quest to restore the goddess to her people. There was death and chaos surrounding me, but I told myself this was the work of others - people unhappy to see Azura returned, people who sought to turn her return to thier own advantage, people who simply enjoyed bringing harm to others for their own amusement. My own part in these actions did not register ..."

Loranna's eyes narrow slightly; her stomach felt funny. Ignoring the strange sensation, she continues.

"With companions both old and new, I journeyed across Skyrim, led by the promptings from within to forge myself into a stronger vessel for the goddess and to show Azura's power and wisdom to her peoples' traditional enemies. In the land of snow and ice many saw power, power that left devestation in its wake. I could now start to see that I was the source and focus of the chaos, but I told myself each time my presence left its mark upon the land that I was learning, that the next time would be better, that once I truly grew into the destiny I had accepted I would bring the bright and happy future that I saw lying within me."

"Even when others strived to tell me that my chosen path would not lead to the end I thought it would, I did not truly listen. I sought to understand mysteries that are better left to others to discern, and did not look at the situation that I should have been watching ..."

Enough, Azura's voice rings in Loranna's mind. Speak my will next.

Loranna pauses for a moment, looking slightly surprised; she had expected Azura to make herself known of course, but still, the goddess's words caught her off-guard. Her next utterance forgotten for a moment, Loranna hesitates.

Speak my will, Incarnate, Azura tells Loranna again.

Loranna closes her eyes, a look of calm resolve coming over her surprised features, and she shakes her head. "... No, Lady," she says, her tone respectful but firm. "I can't walk your path any longer; I will do as I must do, nothing more nor less."

With a certainty in her heart at what would happen next, Loranna opens her eyes and speaks once more. "In Morrowind, I saw just how much my presence was harming people. Lives had been lost and livlihoods sacrificed in my name, in Azura's name, never to be adequately recompensed - lives which had been doing fair enough without me or the goddess up to that point. I did not know how to truly help the Dunmer people and never had ... and the goddess, who had told me she wished to return to her people to lead them into a new age, said nothing to guide me in helping her people. She simply sat and accepted the devotion offered her, letting my empty promises be the reward for that faith. ... That, is what she intended to offer all alon- ..."

===

Despite knowing what was coming, Loranna never felt the force that blasted her soul; she was speaking, her thoughts turning to her next words, and then ... there was nothing.

===

Loranna's expression undergoes a swift, forceful transformation; her posture straightens and her head rises imperiously to glare at the crowd and the Tribunal. Her eyes literally glow blue and she almost seems to grow slightly, and when she speaks next her voice is that of a thousand Twilights, their voices caught in the instant of change from one octave to the next.

ENOUGH! THERE WILL BE NO TRIAL; THIS IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT NOW, she says, the force of her voice shaking the hall ...

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 04:07 AM

Aricyn's eyes narrowed. Under his shining mail shirt there was an ancient leather cuirass, and under that, the muscles in his white shoulders tightened.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 04:08 AM

Allerleirauh had expected a surprise; but not this one.

At the back of the hall, Tris Gaerington tensed, flexing his foot. The false limb seemed heavier than usual. He hoped he wouldn't be wishing he could run faster.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 04:10 AM

Arynel stepped back unconsiously. The Breton bit his bottom lip, and tossed a quick glance towards Allerleirauh.

"An unexpected twist, may our are feet not give out too soon." He whispered.

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 04:10 AM

Reichi raised a eyebrow. Out of instinct his hand rested on his shortblade. He wondered what was going on.

Posted by: B Jan 17 2005, 04:11 AM

An odd smirk could be seen on B’s face. He stared at Loranna.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 17 2005, 04:12 AM

Dagoth grows grim as he hears the shrill voice of Azura.

'Let's see how long she thinks she can control my Loranna before she loses...... '

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 04:14 AM

Seeing Loranna’s transformation, Dur’el and Kasha don’t even bat an eyelash.

Upon her change, Dur’el thinks back to Kasha’s words last night. Remember, in the end all things will be, what they are meant to be.

Dur’el watches and waits.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 04:14 AM

Teleran flinched at the sudden change in demeanor and tone from Loranna, and before he could stop himself his hands reached for his daggers. He stopped short of drawing, but he quivered from the effort.

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 17 2005, 04:17 AM

The old khajiit stood out side the trial hall, shaking his head....

"Not gona end well...."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 04:18 AM

THERE IS NO MORE LORANNA, Dagoth hears echo in his mind.

BEHOLD!!! AZURA IS COME!!! speaks the goddess, her expresison perfect marble. Her mere presence seems to sear the air around her, sending off palpable waves of power to wash over the assembled crowd as she spoke.

BEHOLD!!! THE TRIBUNAL IS NO MORE!!! THE POWER OF THE GODS WAS NOT MEANT FOR MORTAL MINDS AND THEY HAVE LEFT YOU. THEY WERE FALSE AND LED YOU ASTRAY.

BEHOLD!!! THE NINE ARE WEAK AND DISTANT!!! THEY LEAVE YOU TO THIS WOLRD AND TURN THEIR FACES AWAY FROM YOU. THEY LOVE YOU NOT.

BEHOLD!!! THE DAEDRA WALK AMONG YOU!!! WE BESTOW OUR POWER ON ANY WHO WOULD ASK. WE BLESS THOSE WHO PRAISE OUR NAME AND STRIKE DOWN THOSE WHO CURSE OUR FOLLOWERS.

YOU HAVE SEEN THE MIRACLES OF AZURA. YOU HAVE HEARD THE VOICES OF HER ENEMIES AND SEE THEY DO HER NO HARM. YOUR FAITH HAS BEEN TESTED AND FOUND STRONG. SHOW IT AGAIN, HERE AND NOW.

YOU SHALL BECOME A NEW PEOPLE, CLOAKED IN AZURA'S BLESSINGS AND HEIRS TO THE LAND OF MORROWIND. YOU SHALL BE STRONG, REVERED AND FEARED ACROSS TAMRIEL. YOU SHALL BE THE CHOSEN PEOPLE OF AZURA, TO BRING HER TRUTH TO THE WORLD.

GIVE YOUR OATH NOW, IN MY PRESENCE; TURN FROM THE FALSE GODS OF THE TRIBUNAL AND THE WEAK GODS OF THE NINE, AND EMBRACE ME.

A second wave of power radiates from Azura as people fall to their knees and give their oath ...

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 04:21 AM

Arynel's gaze swept over the crowd. The Breton's mouth trembled, as if his tongue had been cut off.

He snapped his jaw shut defiantly, glanced towards Allerleirauh, and turned his eyes towards Azura.

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 04:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 10:08 PM)

A second wave of power radiates from Azura as people fall to their knees and give their oath ...

Reichi remained standing. He had good reason to. While it was always smart to be respectful to a Daedric Prince, it wasn't a good idea to bow in worship before aforementioned prince when you already served another.

Posted by: B Jan 17 2005, 04:24 AM

The Psijic watched as people fell to their knees. B remained standing.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 04:26 AM

Allerleirauh spoke.

"Azura, you are not wanted in this place. I am Mercy here and this hall is my jurisdiction, blessed in the name of the Eight Everlasting Imperfections. In their name, I say to you, go out of Loranna."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 17 2005, 04:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 09:08 PM)

Dagoth sends his thoughts to Azura, and the ones serving as the Tribunal..... yet he couldn't sense Loranna in there at all....

'I once respected you Azura....... but seeing what you have done to the Dunmer..... and Loranna, I see you for what you are. You are nothing but a decieving demoness. Heartless, cold, and unwilling to accept that you aren't the most important thing in this or any other world. If what you have said is true.... than you have taken more than you can give from this being..... I condemn you..... any and everyway I can. Leave Azura..... you are not welcome here anymore.'

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 04:27 AM

The hair on the old wolf's back bristled.

Aricyn did not move.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 04:31 AM

"Get out of my head!" he snarled as he felt himself fall to his knees. Then he felt words torn form his throat, "I swear-"

Then another voice mocked him, 'Oh yeah, real smart committ yourself to serve her, I'm sure that won't come back to haunt you, s'wit.'

And he felt himself regaining control from the booming voice. "-nothing to you." he finished, his voice shaking.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 04:34 AM

Dur’el breaks his silence and steps forward. Kasha tries to hold him back but he shrugs her off.

“There’s no way I’m going to bow, and worship some low rank Daedra with a sour attitude.” Dur’el makes a fist and pounds his chest. “A Redguards blood runs through me, and until it stops flowing no one will tell Dur’el who, and what, to worship.”

Dur’el crosses his arms and spits on the ground, with enough emotion in his face to reanimate a dead body.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 04:37 AM

If Azura had any comments to the defiance shown her, she does not voice them.

... WOULD YOU DEFY THE DAEDRA? she asks, looking over the crowd. WOULD YOU DENY THE POWER YOU CAN ALL FEEL?

I SHALL SHOW MERCY THIS ONCE, AND STATE AGAIN - GIVE ME YOUR OATH OF DEVOTION. TURN FROM ALL OTHER GODS, ACCEPT MY BLESSING INTO YOUR HEART AND BECOME ONE OF THE CHOSEN PEOPLE OF AZURA. MY SERVANTS SHALL BE YOUR SERVANTS; YOU SHALL ALWAYS WALK IN MY PROTECTION. I FREED THE SLAVES YOU HELD BEFORE, TO TEST YOUR FAITH. YOU WERE STRONG AND NOW YOUR FAITH WILL BE REWARDED IN KIND.

REFUSE AND YOUR FATE SHALL FOLLOW YOU EVEN INTO YOUR NEXT LIFE; YOU SHALL WEEP BITTER TEARS AT YOUR FOLLY AND BE SO MARKED AS THE SLAVES OF MY CHOSEN.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 17 2005, 04:48 AM

'You can do nothing to these people Azura.... they don't belong to you anymore. In fact, they never did. Take it from me.... I was once what they used to be. LEAVE AZURA, OR BE CONDEMNED BY THOSE YOU WISH TO CONTROL!'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 04:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 09:27 PM)

Allerleirauh did not raise her voice.

"You have no power over those who have not given themselves into your hand. You cannot make people into slaves. In the name of the Eight, in whose name this place is sealed, I call on you to depart."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 04:56 AM

Arynel looked around the hall. All around various people, both Dunmer and outlander, were dropping to their knees.

"I walk the path is it doth lead, and follow where my feet do step." The Breton said. "Your worship is not found in me."

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 04:59 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 10:27 PM)

Reichi stood, hands at his side, unmoving. His silence as not of one frozen with fear, but of one refusing without words. Reichi knew either way he went he would have a Daedric prince pissed at him.

Might as well be the one in front of him. Waiting was always the worst part of a punishment.

Posted by: Meridia Jan 17 2005, 05:00 AM

A strange mist entered the room...
Interesting development, it seems... shall I go in and attempt to trim my siblings ambition? No... I shall sit... I shall wait... my goals might be accomplished using much less effort... besides, I do not have the tools at the moment...
Meridia focused the mist towards Aricyn... and it lingered there for the time being...

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 17 2005, 05:01 AM

The old khajiit waited outside for the end that everyone knew was inevitable, listening to everything inside......

"Two-Tails sences Hell on the horizon, he will wait for it here, were it should strike first...."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 05:02 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 10:42 PM)

Azura turns to face Allerleirauh, her expression unchanging but an undeniable air of triumph evident in her bearing. Around her, those who elected to bow to her look up in wonder and awe at the power that now courses through their bodies, sweeping away their previous selves. Their eyes shift between the hue they had before, and a glowing blue to match their goddess's eyes. They instinctively realize that the power of Twilight is now theirs to call upon when needed, once every turn of the dusk and the dawn, to protect and to strike down.

THEY HAVE GIVEN THEMSELVES INTO MY HAND ... SNOWSKIN, she says.

THEY HAVE GIVEN THEMSELVES, AND NOW THEY SHALL MEET THE FATE THEY HAVE CHOSEN FOR THEMSELVES ...

THIS LAND IS THE HOME OF AZURA'S CHOSEN PEOPLE; LET THE UNRIGHTOUS BE SWEPT AWAY BY THE FAITHFUL. LET THEIR BLOOD PRESAGE THE TEARS THAT SHALL MARK THEM AS YOURS IN THEIR NEXT LIVES.

STRIKE NOW!!! AZURA HAS SPOKEN!!!

Glowing blue eyes turn with murderous intent to those who would not give their oath, and the air is rent by the cries of hundreds of Winged Twilights as the Children of Azura employ their gifts for the first time.

Posted by: B Jan 17 2005, 05:03 AM

At that moment, B remembered a conversation that he had with Aricyn and Allerleirauh while on the boat. He glanced over at Aricyn and hoped that the two of them were on the same page. B couldn’t risk reaching out to Aricyn with his mind. Azura might hear the message.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 05:04 AM

All around them, Azura's followers had sunk to their knees. So had many from the Temple. But it seemed all the heroes remained upright. And that was the best that could be hoped for. In a sense, all choices were made by heroes. That was what "hero" meant.

But for every hero, there were always a thousand slaves. And now the slaves of Azura had bright blue eyes, and the ability to summon demons.

Allerleirauh pulled her cloak around her, becoming a Welwa, and with a resounding cry, lashed out at the many Twilights surrounding her.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 05:04 AM

Teleran rose to his feet and looked at those around him, all of whom had fallen to the floor. Silent as stone, he raised his eyes to stare at at Azura. 'Swearing to you would still be slavery.' He thought to himself.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 05:13 AM

Aricyn watched as the air around him burst into dark fireworks, each black flash yielding a foul, winged daedra.

So this is how it was to be. Once, he had thought Loranna simply a madwoman, and that served his purposes nicely, but this... this was out of his control.

The cloak fell from his shoulders as he reached for his sword. Not the icy greatsword that hung from his back, but the smaller, less obvious one at his belt.

Posted by: Meridia Jan 17 2005, 05:16 AM

Through the mist, Meridia continued to look... this was starting to look fun... but there were more serious matters at hand... and she, she could do nothing at the time...

But it seemed that a certian someone was... and with what was once one of her posessions, too...
She continued to keep an eye on Aricyn...

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 05:17 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 16 2005, 11:03 PM)

Kasha saw the slight motions of Aricyn, and knew her premonition was coming to pass.

It will soon be time...

Posted by: B Jan 17 2005, 05:19 AM

B shouted across the hall, "Aricyn, pull the sword and attack! I have her True Name!"

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 05:20 AM

Arynel reached into his cloak as a winged twilight dove towards him. The Breton brought forth his sword, and in an instance made a strike.

A wheel of light swirled around the winged twilight, the daedra screached and both it and the wheel shattered into nothingness.

"The thread is winding down, we are almost to the spool."

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 17 2005, 05:21 AM

Two-Tails watched as Winged Twilights started to flow from the trial hall, killing anyone in their path....

"And so hell has come to pass, Two-Tails is ready..."

The old khajiit drew his blade slashing any daedra that came near him...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 17 2005, 05:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 09:52 PM)

'This is gonna turn bloody.... and no one is restraining me any longer..... fogive me Loranna.' With that, the illusion fell, and Dagoth Lich showed himself to all. 'Now, all of you who follow Azura.... will die.'

Dagoth discintigrates a pair of winged twilights in an instant, and uses this as a warning. 'Any of you how wish to live, may want to get out of my way.'

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 05:22 AM

As the Winged Twilight's had flared into existance, Reichi had drawn his Daedric shortblade, followed by the Stalhrim Dagger. However, he tried to avoid the Daedra themselves. The Worshipers were his primary concern, they were what anchored the Twilights in this plane.

The Dunmer rushed into the flood, blades whirling about freciously.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 05:22 AM

Allerleirauh the Welwa leaped across the hall to Arynel's side.

"There's nothing left but to hope for our plan - keep as many as you can safe, who did not kneel!"

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 05:23 AM

QUOTE(B @ Jan 16 2005, 11:09 PM)

B shouted across the hall, "Aricyn, pull the sword and attack! I have her True Name!"

Aricyn's eyes flashed to the cloaked man. He remembered him instantly. His hand closed on the blade at his belt, and he could feel it vibrating in its scabbard.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 05:24 AM

QUOTE(B @ Jan 16 2005, 11:09 PM)

B shouted across the hall, "Aricyn, pull the sword and attack! I have her True Name!"

For the first time since she took over Loranna's body, Azura shows a reaction to someone's words other than imperiousness or triumph.

Her brows knit frettfully; her mouth twists into a scowl of anger and worry.

... DESTROY THE ALTMER AND THE NORD!!! she commands, pointing out B and Aricyn to her followers. Winged Twilights screech and fanatical worshippers roar with animalistic fury as they surge toward the two heores.

Azura lashes out at B mentally, her anger conjuring up images of Moonshadow at it worst to inflict upon the Psijic.

Posted by: B Jan 17 2005, 05:25 AM

The Psijic stepped forward, his equanimity unmatched. “Shhh,” B said as he put his index finger to his lips. Slowly, the finger was removed. Never before had something so simple seemed so ominous. As the people watched the Psijic, his mouth moved, as if a word was being spoken, but not a single sound could be heard. The True Name of Azura was spoken.

At first, everything seemed as normal as it had been a second before. Then, as that significant second passed, something changed. A faint, cracking sound could be heard in the hall. It was like the noise ice makes when it begins to break. The sound seemed to be coming from beneath the Psijic, but if one were to look down at the floor below the grey cloak, that person would see that the stone remained completely intact. But the sound was unmistakable. The cracking sound traveled from the Psijic to where Azura now stood.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 05:25 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 09:12 PM)

Allerleirauh the Welwa leaped across the hall to Arynel's side.

"There's nothing left but to hope for our plan - keep as many as you can safe, who did not kneel!"

Arynel nodded to Allerleirauh. "Give my thanks to Dragon, if this will be the end of me."

The Breton shattered another twilight, an instant before it sunk it's claws into a young Dunmer lass.

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 05:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 11:14 PM)

As Azura had done the favor of annoucing the Altmer and Nord's Death sentance aloud. Reichi summurized they were a threat to the Goddess.

Reichi rushed towards the Folllowers surging towards B. Attempting to cut a path to him. He had to protect them.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 17 2005, 05:28 AM

QUOTE(B @ Jan 16 2005, 10:15 PM)

Dagoth saw what was happening.... and even though it would mean the death of all that mattered to him.... he had to help.

'Goodbye Loranna...... you will never be truely dead in my eyes....'

And with that, Dagoth started blasting a path towards Azura for B and Aricyn.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 05:29 AM

QUOTE(B @ Jan 16 2005, 11:15 PM)

The cracking reaches Azura, who flinches and looks visibly distressed.

She turns and screams at her followers to focus on the Nord ...

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 05:29 AM

Dur’el looks around and sees crazed worshipers coming at him and Kasha. Kasha and Dur’el move back to back, and take battle stances.

Dur’el sighs, and his arrogant smirk comes back. “It’s go time.”

He drops his hands to his side and a cracking boom echos around the hall. Opal light illuminates Dur’el’s face, as his Shehai’s spring to life in his hands, and crackle, and shimmer as if they were alive.

Kasha unsheathes her bow and starts sniping.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 05:29 AM

At the back of the hall, Tris Gaerington and Ciel Dolbinen stood with their backs to each other, fighting off masses of Winged Twilights. Neither had knelt.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 05:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 09:19 PM)

The cracking reaches Azura, who flinches and looks visibly distressed.

She turns and screams at her followers to focus on the Nord ...

Arynel looks up towards Azura for a moment.

"The path is coming to an end." The Breton says. "This road has almost met its death."

He shattered another winged twilight with his sword, throwing it back to Oblivion.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 05:30 AM

Teleran realized he was in exactly the wrong place, so he drew his daggeres and started carving a path through the worshippers, trying to avoid any winged twilights that noticed him, but they seemed to mostly be concerned with those near Loranna. 'Guess it's time to join the party,' he thought. He drank a potion of jump and vaulted towards the group. with every stroke that landed, his daggers cried out in ecstasy, 'About time you did something right.'

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 05:32 AM

The Stalhrim Dagger was gone now, its poison used up, and embedded in the heart of a female nord. Now Reichi was using the Dagger of Senses and the Daedric Shortblade. His meager Netch was shredded by now, gashes were evident in his arms and legs. He was covered in blood not all his own.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 05:33 AM

Aricyn heard the psijiic's words clearly. They rang in his ears as he drew the legendary sword from its home. They were all he could hear. The sword in his hand was weightless. A light deep within it flickered like kindling wood, and burst forth.

A cloud of Winged Twilights decended on him like a hurricane, and for a moment he could not be seen.

He emerged from the spinning cloud of wings and talons, his frozen greatsword in one hand, the glowing Moon Reiver Blade in the other.

His eyes, and his path, were fixed on Loranna... Azura, standing in the middle of the room.

Posted by: Dracodrakonis Jan 17 2005, 05:33 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jan 16 2005, 10:18 PM)

*Dagoth feels a strange surge in power* {Power-up X2}
*In his chest glows a Ruby in the shape of a heart*

"Good Luck, I can help you no more." enters his mind.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 05:37 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 16 2005, 11:23 PM)

Azura's eyes blaze with haterd and fear as they lock on Aricyn's.

The strongest of her worshippers, clad in enchanted armor, form a line between her and the Nord; fourteen grinning Dunmer raise blades of glass and ebony and prepare to strike him down, while Azura starts waving her hands ...

Posted by: B Jan 17 2005, 05:37 AM

As B raised his hands into the air, several Winged Twilights burst into flames. They fell to the ground shrieking in pain. The Psijic turned to look at Aricyn.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jan 17 2005, 05:39 AM

QUOTE(Dracodrakonis @ Jan 16 2005, 10:23 PM)

*Dagoth feels a strange surge in power* {Power-up X2}
*In his chest glows a Ruby in the shape of a heart*

"Good Luck, I can help you no more." enters his mind.

Dagoth feels a great power flowing through him.

'Now this followers of Azura, with this power.... I AM GONNA TAKE OUT EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!!!!'

With that, Dagoth lets loose his magics on every last Azura follower, turning quite a few of them to dust.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 05:40 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 16 2005, 10:27 PM)

Azura's eyes blaze with haterd and fear as they lock on Aricyn's.

The strongest of her worshippers, clad in enchanted armor, form a line between her and the Nord; four grinning Dunmer raise blades of glass and ebony and prepare to strike him down, while Azura starts waving her hands ...

The Welwa lowered its head and snarled. It closed the distance between itself and the armored warriors with four great leaps, seized one in its jaws and shook him, ripping him to pieces.

Posted by: Two-Tails Jan 17 2005, 05:45 AM

The old khajiit lay against the side of the hall, he was bleading badly from the battle, Winged Twilights closed in around him...

"So, this is how it ends for the Two-Tails is it? Then come at him demons."

He pulled a scroll from his cloak...

"Two-Tails will take you with him!"

The daedra jumped at the khajiit and a massive explosion of fire magic engulfed them all....

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 05:50 AM

Stuck in the air Teleran realized he had made a critical misjudgement. He had not taken into account that the winged twilights were, well, winged. Still, his daggers flashed too quickly through the air for most of them to land a blow, but as his flight seemed to lengthen into eternity more and more of the Twilight's landed blows tearing through his robes and gashing the flesh beneath. Most of these wounds were superficial in nature, but soon enough, one of them managed to tear off his left arm. The dagger it held disemboweled the creature and flew to its owner's defence. Teleran roared in pain, then a strange calm came over him, 'Now its my turn.'

The daggers blurred and Teleran landed on the ground with a thud, well short of his goal.

Posted by: niceguy5 Jan 17 2005, 05:59 AM

In an instant Dane transformed himself into a were-vamp, running while ripping his robes off. Several twilights swooped down yelling their battle cries. Dane pounce on one ripping it to shreds with his claws. Then hopped from it onto the other one; ridding it down into the ground before jumping off.

Posted by: Serethi Indoril Jan 17 2005, 06:02 AM

Genesis of power, birth of might. Ancient words and principles, like the stars themselves played together like skylards in their vulnerable minds. They had forgotten their clothes, even their weapons. Some of these were officers, who retained the regalia. Of the High Fane Azura made a class of Overlords, who would administer Her masses. To them, Her words were articulate and eloquent, rather than the strong subornations with the majority.

Then it was that Indoril and the March of Coldharbor came forth at the hall, from under Azura's robes. Now clad in a somber armor, colored of orange and purple and red, they drew swords of dark blue. Still allowed a measure of free-will, Indoril said, "The Temple is a dream."

As beside the Daedra, Indoril took a step and blurred out of motion. Within the next moment he took shape in front of the charging Nord, and slashed widely. The other seven champions took a defensive posture, with swords raised high, as Azura's guards grew tightly around the Prince.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 06:07 AM

QUOTE(Serethi Indoril @ Jan 16 2005, 10:52 PM)

At that moment, the first noise was heard outside. A noise like distant thunder. Or maybe fire.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 06:13 AM

QUOTE(Serethi Indoril @ Jan 16 2005, 11:52 PM)

A black blur jumps in front of Aricyn.

A flash of opal sparks rain down on the figure that jumped in front of Aricyn, as his weapon stops the blow. Dur’el’s Shehai counters the blow within inches from Aricyn’s flesh.

“You owe me.” Dur’el yells through clenched teeth, his Shehai lighting his face up, making him look devilish. “Strike that Daedra dog, one for me.”

Dur’el turns his attention to Aricyn’s threat. “You got a problem with him, you got a problem with me.”

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 06:17 AM

Arynel charged foward towards the armored Dunmer surrounding Aricyn. The Breton swung his sword, striking one of the men on the chest.

There was a flash of light, and strings of power formed around the man, tieing him up and paralyzing him.

He collapsed, and Arynel took a breath, then turned his attention to the others.

Posted by: B Jan 17 2005, 06:17 AM

B turned his gaze toward one of the guards in front of Azura. At that moment, the guard screamed in excruciating pain. His legs buckled, and he fell to the ground, helpless.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 06:18 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Jan 17 2005, 12:03 AM)

Aricyn smiled at Dur'el as he passed, his face smeared with blood and ichor.

Smoothly sidestepping the the two men, he lept at Azura's honor guard. The one on his left he blocked with his greatsword, the one on his right found a wolf's teeth in his skull. Azura stood before him, frozen in time, a look of honest fear on her face.

The Moon Riever moved as if under its own power.

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 06:20 AM

Reichi knelt. Using his shortblade for support. His left leg was badly wounded. Around him were bodies of slain foes. The Dunmer stood weakly, using the sword to help him, and began striding forward. Towards the Warriors who had alligned themselves with Azura.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 06:23 AM

The Welwa turned on its hindquarters and lunged at the honor guard, as one of them turned to fight Arynel. He was one of the best warriors she had ever seen. But he didn't expect to be hit from behind by a beast weighing a full ton. He went down beneath her.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 06:26 AM

Teleran rose as if being pulled to his feet by strings. The dagger continued their deadly dance disemboweling hostiles that advanced on Teleran. Teleran strode forward, moving surprisingly smoothly for the wounds he had accrued. He stared straight forward as he advanced towards the new warriors who had come to Azura's aid. His left arm rose and punched the nearest in the jaw, dislocating it.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 06:29 AM

Azura's guard fight valiantly but are unable to keep Aricyn blocked forever.

Azura's mouth freezes in a circle of terror and anger ...

"NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONO ...."

Posted by: Meridia Jan 17 2005, 06:30 AM

Meridia contiued to watch on... She had considered sending some of her servents to help fight the Winged Twilights, but had thought against it... to quote her sibling, that would not be sporting...

So the ritual was completed... well, not quite, but still... she wondered to herself, was it worth all that trouble? With Maranda and Shardie and "He-who-hunts-elves" or that worthless Assassin, Daidez? In a way, she thought, it was a means to an end... not the end she would have hoped, but the end nonetheless... her task, was almost over... She hoped the other Princes were watching this show...

Posted by: Serethi Indoril Jan 17 2005, 06:31 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Jan 16 2005, 11:03 PM)

As Indoril floated to the floor, he chuckled, "Scamp," but his face was a mask of anger. Standing perhaps seven feet away, Indoril slowly raised his left hand toward the redguard. A blue light came emanated from the gray skin, growing in volume. When it had become the size of an orcs steel helm, Indoril smiled. In an circular movement, Indoril's hand let go of the magic, and pushed it towards Dur'el. It had only taken seconds to do, and he now turned his attention back the target. The voices of anger in his head had become singularly focused on Aricyn, as if Azura had forgotten everything else in the Wheel. When he thought of it, Indoril knew that the Nord was at his destination.

In a flash, Indoril felt a great searing pain burn into his leg. An arrow.

"My old acquaintance," A human voice said, "It seems that you have grown quite mad, these days." A buoyant armiger dove through the path of Indoril's blast, and with a touch of gold, it disappeared.

"Maltne! You Traitor!" Indoril's now raspy voice exhortated.

"No, I think Azura was only talking about Dunmer." He drew another arrow, set it, and let it fly through Indoril's head.

Posted by: niceguy5 Jan 17 2005, 06:33 AM

Dane ran down one of the Azura guards slashing his back. The were-vamp instantly turned around and was inflicted with two arrows into his rough skin. Dane slowly backed away ripping out the arrows and roared at the attacker. The guard shot aimlessly at the approachind were-vamp.In a flash Dane hung high over the guard breathing his fowl breath on him, then without mercy cleaved the guards head.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 06:35 AM

Dagoth could see that Aricyn's victory was all but at hand and he felt a grim satisfaction ...

Then, he notices the thundering noise, and looks around, wondering what it could be ...

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 06:40 AM

The blade in Aricyn's right hand slid into the body of Loranna, just under her collarbone, between the ribs. There was no resistance.

As one, the Winged Twilights looked to their Prince.

There was a hush, like a breath being taken.

Suddenly, the mouth of every Twilight opened in agony, and a deafening scream tore through the hall. People were knocked from their feet. The temporary shelter of the hall cracked, buckled, and gave way. The dirt ceiling rained down as it collapsed.

Loranna's dead body slid from the blade to the floor.

The open sky above was a strange color, and the entire scene lit by an eerie light.

"The Ministry of Truth..." someone said, pointing upward, "it is burning."

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 06:43 AM

"Fek." Reichi muttered, looking up to the ministry of truth. His wounds were mostly healed now, he had slipped a few standard restore health potions off a healer who had bowed down to Azura. He began to back away.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 06:45 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 16 2005, 11:30 PM)

The blade in Aricyn's right hand slid into the body of Loranna, just under her collarbone, between the ribs. There was no resistance.

As one, the Winged Twilights looked to their Prince.

There was a hush, like a breath being taken.
Suddenly, the mouth of every Twilight opened in agony, and a deafening scream tore through the hall. People were knocked from their feet. The temporary shelter of the hall cracked, buckled, and gave way. The dirt ceiling rained down as it collapsed.

Loranna's dead body slid from the blade to the floor.

The open sky above was a strange color, and the entire scene lit by an eerie light.

"The Ministry of Truth..." someone said, pointing upward, "it is burning."

"Loranna!" Allerleirauh screamed. She pulled at her skin, peeling it away from her face with rough claws. It became a cloak and she became a woman again, kneeling at Loranna's side.

The followers of Azura had fled when their summoned Daedra did. Now everyone was screaming and fleeing. The fighting had stopped. She knew she could escape into the Void, but she knelt beside the body of her friend.

They had known this would happen. Known they couldn't save her.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 06:47 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 17 2005, 12:30 AM)

The blade in Aricyn's right hand slid into the body of Loranna, just under her collarbone, between the ribs. There was no resistance.

As one, the Winged Twilights looked to their Prince.

There was a hush, like a breath being taken.
Suddenly, the mouth of every Twilight opened in agony, and a deafening scream tore through the hall. People were knocked from their feet. The temporary shelter of the hall cracked, buckled, and gave way. The dirt ceiling rained down as it collapsed.

Loranna's dead body slid from the blade to the floor.

The open sky above was a strange color, and the entire scene lit by an eerie light.

"The Ministry of Truth..." someone said, pointing upward, "it is burning."

Dagoth felt sorrow and agony stab through the center of his new ruby heart as the Moon Riever pierced Loranna's body; he could almost swear he could feel a tear on his fleshless cheek.

However, he heard the words spoken about the Ministry of Truth, and looked up ...

" ... By all that's unholy ... the moon burns?!" he gaped. " ... This cannot be!"

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 06:47 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 10:35 PM)

Arynel rushed to Allerleirah's side.

"Thank you." The Breton said, turning his attention then to Loranna. "This is almost over..."

He took in the burning Ministry of Truth, and gritted his teeth.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 06:49 AM

Three-thousand years ago, Vehk stopped the rock that Molag Bal had hurled at his city. It had not been slowed to a halt, it had simply been stopped. All of it's power, all of it's momentum hung, perfectly intact, waiting for the day that the people would forget their love of Vivec.

This was that day.

Angered by it's invading presence, the air sent flames licking up the sides of the huge rock. All who were within the Ministry had already perished, but that was nothing compared to what it would do when it hit the city. Morrowind would be no more...

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Jan 17 2005, 06:55 AM

Latius Maltne looked at the boulder covering his previous comrades and citizens. He laughed and thought 'There is nothing but to laugh; that is our way. It is ironic that The Archcanon's favorite son would become like this, and that I should be the one to disobey his orders.' But he knew what ponderance brought to mind, and for that he laughed all the more.

Time to leave now, goodbye is a bitter propostion to the earth walking toys.

"What would you have me do?" Maltne asked the righteous.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 06:58 AM

Aricyn looked to the sky. It was over. His plan lay dead on the floor at his feet. Still... This wasn't his day to die.

He dropped the Moon Riever, and it fell to the floor as lifeless as the body of Loranna.

Aricyn closed his eyes and breathed deeply. The dust on the floor began to swirl.

The old wolf howled.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 06:58 AM

QUOTE(El_Ahrairah @ Jan 16 2005, 11:45 PM)

"Stay here and die, like the hero you are," Allerleirauh answered him. She had tears in her eyes. Over, just like that. She should be saving herself.

"Vehk's true son - I'm sorry your faith alone could not uphold the stone."

Posted by: Meridia Jan 17 2005, 06:58 AM

Ah, thought Meridia, Morrowind being blasted to ash did not really effect her in anyway... if he survived, he would give that Arycin a reward... the mist dissapated

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 06:59 AM

Teleran
Teleran came back to his senses, then immediately wished he hadn't. His left arm felt like it was being crushed in a vise. He looked down at this arm to see what was the matter with it and saw, nothing, his arm wasn't there. This discovery almost made him disregard the eery glow that originated from the ministry.

He looked at that and his eyes went so wide they seemed like they should pop out of his skull. He could do nothing but stare in stunned silence as he contemplated the doom before him. He forgot about minor details like missing appendages.

Tholer Rathryon
Across the waters he saw the Ministry burning. "I have tarried too long, Loranna has stolen the worship of the Dunmer from our Lord Vehk. Now we are dead, by that Norse devil's treachery."

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Jan 17 2005, 07:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 17 2005, 12:48 AM)

"Faith? I had faith in the Nerevarine, who had the sweetest laugh. Where is he now, if not walking to oppose the shadow?" Maltne bowed, because he knew such a question would be unseemly. "I'm sorry. It was at one time when death had come, that that Incarnate came. Death is an easy proposition now, so I must have grown."

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 07:05 AM

The ears of everyone present popped. The air felt like a coming storm.

The rock blazed like the sun, and a roar filled the air. It came.

Aricyn opened his eyes, and then he opened his mouth.

He felt his ribs crack in his chest. He felt his teeth rattle in his skull. His sight wavered, and a noise like no other issued from his throat.

Above, the clouds parted. The great ball of flame stopped its fall and burst into a thousand flaming pieces, all of them finding their own course to the ground. Some fell into the sea and hissed and screamed, sending up clouds of steam. Some fell on the city, still, tearing great, black holes through the cantons. The statue of St. Olms fell beneath an enormous stone, and the top of his canton collapsed in upon itself.

The bridges broke. The sea washed over the lower levels. Everywhere was screaming and fire and water, but the Temple still stood, and the crowd clustered around the fallen body of Loranna still lived.

Aricyn fell to his knees.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 07:05 AM

QUOTE(El_Ahrairah @ Jan 16 2005, 10:53 PM)

Arynel did not look towards Maltne, did not make any signs of noticing--except one.

A single tear rolled down the Breton's cheek.

He turned his head up, mouth agape, watching the flaming missles hurl to the ground.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 07:06 AM

Kasha stands next to Dur’el as they watch the aftermath of the historic battle. Everything she saw had come to pass. Only one thing was left.

She hoped Dur’el would do the right thing.

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 07:10 AM

Reichi watched with awe as destruction rained down upon the city of Vivec. With a sigh he sat down, took out some hackle-lo leaves and began chewing on them.

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 07:16 AM

Teleran was awestruck by the incredible sight before him. As he realized that he would not die this day, he remembered that he no longer had an arm and screamed, "I need a healer, Can anybody heal me!?!"

Tholer Rathryon
Tholer saw the Ministry strike something above the ground, then he was engulfed in flame.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 07:19 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Jan 16 2005, 11:06 PM)

Teleran was awestruck by the incredible sight before him. As he realized that he would not die this day, he remembered that he no longer had an arm and screamed, "I need a healer, Can anybody heal me!?!"

Tholer Rathryon
Tholer saw it strike something above the ground, then he was engulfed in flame.

Arynel heard a familar voice--in agony.

"Ease yourself." The Breton said to Teleran. "I cannot return to you what you have lost, but I can stop the bleeding."

He placed his hands next to Teleran, and a soft blue light began to eminate from his fingers...

Posted by: Meridia Jan 17 2005, 07:19 AM

A man stood, along with a number of bystanders in the city of Ebonheart, looking over the falling debris of the moon... In a dark red cloak, a smile came over his Nordic face...
"And so your sacrifice shall not be forgoten, Shardie... All events are proceded by Prophecy... but without a hero, there is no event... Indeed there was a hero today, and the prophecy was revealed...' The man turned and slowly walked towards the inn, 'It is time to put things into motion' the figure dissapeared...

Posted by: Teleran Jan 17 2005, 07:22 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jan 16 2005, 09:09 PM)

"Thank you friend bard. I guess I'll have to start learning magicks for myself now. They seem to come in handy. Every once in a while." Teleran said.

Posted by: El_Ahrairah Jan 17 2005, 07:23 AM

Now Maltne broke out in a an outpouring of hilarious laughter. Asking Allerleirauh, he questioned, "If this isn't Catharsis, I've never seen an Ayleidic drama."

Skipping, he sang an old song, which he hadn't remembered since his childhood:

I told her I'd never set sail in fell weather
And stay by her side by the shore
Fare thee well oh you barbary merchants
Fare thee well to the shores of Stros M'Kai...

He laughed some more and ended the dance he had picked up, "I can't remember the rest."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 07:24 AM

QUOTE(El_Ahrairah @ Jan 17 2005, 12:13 AM)

Allerleirauh smiled, and burst into tears. She sat bowed over the body of her friend.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 07:26 AM

Arynel nodded to Teleran, then returned his focus to the Loranna.

The Breton stood beside the body, lowered his head, and spoke:

So the path ever winding goes
From mountain towards the sea
So the road it ever runs
Aways unraveling as the string

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 07:28 AM

Dur’el replayed Kasha’s words over and over again in his head. She said he would know when his time would come.

This was that time.

His legs begin to move without his will, we was being drawn, lead by forces not of his own. As he got closer to the body of Loranna he felt his time, and his purpose. He could do it, he could help this person that almost got him killed twice. Recently Dur’el had nothing but hatred for Loranna. He loss years of his life because of her, and most importantly he almost lost Kasha. But now looking at her lifeless body, he felt nothing but sorrow. He thought of Kasha’s words and he knew why he felt sorrow instead of hate...

Remember, in the end all things will be, what they are meant to be.

He made his choice.

He raised his hands to her swollen belly and his Shehai's quickly formed, he then stuck them deep in her stomach and begin to work magic. He had never operated in his life, but somehow he knew what to do. Moving with the swiftness of a cat he was done.

Dur’el raised his arms and held up a baby.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 07:32 AM

QUOTE(Arrogant_Hero @ Jan 17 2005, 12:18 AM)

Allerleirauh had almost moved to stop Dur'el, before she saw what he was doing.

The tiny creature he held had fingers fragile as eyelashes; you could see blood vessels beneath its translucent skin; its eyes were sealed. It struggled to breathe; it struggled not to die.

"Arynel, where is Solin?" Allerleriauh cried, suddenly coming to her senses.

Posted by: Solin Jan 17 2005, 07:32 AM

There was a great tearing in the back shadows of the hall. Solin emerged from the darkness followed by a figure draped in a hooded robe. The Dunmer led the new figure into the now rage dead hall griping its outstretched hand. He wore a smile on his face. The remaining crowd pulled away from the pair.

Solin loosed his grip on the hand that he led. The massacred hall did not bestir his face. With a gentle gesture from the Dunmer the figure raised its hands. Strange hands, they were bronze in appearance, tendons visible and flexing whilst they moved. The hood was pulled back revealing the face of a womer. Pointed ears poked up behind copper hair. Bronze like the hands, the face was calm showing no emotion. Her red glowing eyes looked upon the fallen body of Loranna and the concealing robe burst into azure flame. The burning tatters and ash fell to the floor revealing metal skin of gold and blue. Centered in the armored chest was the source of the flame, a burning orb, divided like the shell-wings of a beetle, shifted from gold like the sun to sapphire like a star and then back to gold again. Her metal surface was inscribed with brilliant stars. A pair of scarab beetles sat upon her shoulders, one horned, the other not, and more ran about her waist. Serpents encircled her upper arms like ornamental bands. Gaps in the plating revealed a world of spinning gears and cogs that created a whirring harmony.

All eyes fell upon the blazing woman of metal. Without a word Solin bowed.

Posted by: Aki Jan 17 2005, 07:33 AM

Foreign Quarter

Dispite having been so far away, the Foreign Quarter had suffered some structual damage. Not nearly as bad as most however. In fact it seemed to almost normal. Until one shopkeep, returning from a trip entered the Canalworks and lit a lantern. Noting the candles were all blown out.

What he saw made him lose his lunch. Tarenen's hunters, who had been using Tarenen's away time attempting to gain a audience with the king as a opurtunity to have some fun, had been shopping around down here.

Now their corpses littered the floor. Many suffered burns. Well, one particular group seemed to to. The rest seemed to have been killed by some rampaging beast.

In the bloodstains, the shopkeep made out several vaguely Lupine tracks. Varying in size. Whatever had killed these men, there was more than one of them.

The shopkeep ran. Not stopping till he was outside. There he fainted.

He never saw the culprits escaping into the distance. With a speed no man or mer could muster. One of them, not much larger than a breton boy.
-----------------------------------------
Whats left of the Temple Canton...

Reichi merely stared. A leaf of Hackle-lo hanging from his mouth. "No way..." he murmered.
-------------------------------------------
Ebonheart

Tarenen tired of waiting. Kings took as long, if not longer than the town guards. He recalled to Vivec's Foreign Quarter. Then began looking about the plaza for his Hunters. He was accompnaied by the two Hunters who had come with him to Ebonheart.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 07:33 AM

Arynel's eyes lit up when he saw Solin approach.

"Well done, friend." The Breton said with a smile.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 07:38 AM

"Let me," Allerleirauh pleaded, reaching out to Dur'el for the child. She offered the tiny girl to Solin, hoping that their desperate plan would work.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 17 2005, 01:28 AM)

"Let me," Allerleirauh pleaded, reaching out to Dur'el for the child. She offered the tiny girl to Solin, hoping that their desperate plan would work.

Dur'el looked in speechless awe, at Solin and his "guest". He then looks down at Loranna and notices that his shehai's seared her cuts shut, stopping her blood loss.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 07:51 AM

Dagoth watches Dur'el remove Sen-Yedda, as Allie cradles the baby to the simulcrum. He looks down at his own fleshless hands for a moment.

He should be screaming with impotent rage. His darker half should be trying to take over again - probably just waiting for the right moment to strike, he reflects grimly - but something was keeping him from railing as he thought he would at this moment.

... They ... honestly ... miss her, as I do ... he thinks, having noted Allie's tears. I ... I ...

For a moment, Dagoth's thoughts turn to Jazbet; the lich hadn't seen what had become of his romantic rival. He finds himself hoping Jazbet kept his knee unbowed to Azura, and survived somehow. He wonders how Jazbet has taken all this.

" ... Her tears weren't just her own," he says quietly. "In the end, tears unite us ..."

Posted by: Solin Jan 17 2005, 07:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 11:28 PM)

"Let me," Allerleirauh pleaded, reaching out to Dur'el for the child. She offered the tiny girl to Solin, hoping that their desperate plan would work.

Solin rose from his bow to accept the offering. He in turn presented the child to her simulacrum. The metal mer placed warm hands under Solin's and drew the girl into her grasp. With a great hissing the shifting flames died down to a dancing nimbus. Raising her arms high above her she showed the baby for all gathered to see. The inscribed overlapping plates of her stomach shifted and slid apart. With gentle hands the child was placed inside and the plates slid shut.

A great sucking sound emanated from the mechanical being and water began to bead on the metal skin. She bowed her head and the flames subsided back to the glowing orb at the center of her chest.

Solin bowed once more and then draped the simulacrum in his cloak.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 08:00 AM

Aricyn's chest heaved with the effort of breathing. He watched through watery eyes as Dur'el freed the baby, and he saw that it moved. He watched as the three members of Loranna's tribunal carried out the plan they had had all along.

Later, when he could see clearly, he would have to decide if this was a good thing or very, very bad.

The old wolf came to his side, the frozen greatsword clutched harmlessly in its mouth. It dropped the sword by Aricyn's kneeling legs and licked his cheek.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 08:04 AM

"Arynel, Solin, swear with me that we will not let Vehk's daughter fall into the hands of the Temple," Allerleirauh said, standing up. The tears still stood on her cheeks, but she had resumed her old air of command.

Standing, she noticed something - the torn edges of the wound in Loranna's belly were moving.

She cried out wordlessly, and fell to her knees again, finding a vial in her pack with numb fingers and forcing the contents between Loranna's lips. No. It didn't help. But she was alive. Had always been alive, obviously. She was healing already, from the massive alchemy she had imbibed before the trial. But the wound left by Moon Reiver healed very slowly, even with magic.

"How is she alive at all?" Allerleirauh whispered.

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 08:06 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 17 2005, 01:54 AM)

"How is she alive at all?" Allerleirauh whispered.

"The name spoken was not hers," Aricyn croaked through the fire in his throat. "The blow was meant for Azura, not Loranna."

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 08:07 AM

"Alive?" Arynel inquired. "How can that be?"

The Breton knelt down besides Loranna, and began to examine her body.

There was a stirring, as a flea on a mouse, but less...

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 08:08 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 17 2005, 01:54 AM)

Dagoth looks up, his glowing red eyes looking shocked.

" ... How ... what ..." he says, hurrying over to Loranna's side. Gently, he kneels down, looking at Loranna with evident wonder.

" ... Loranna, love, wake up ..." he begins urging. "You're alive ... open your eyes and wake up ..."

The red ruby in his chest begins to glow with a soft red light.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 08:09 AM

Tris:

Ciel was a talented swordsman. But now that every damn Dunmer, Nord, Breton, Redguard, Altmer... all of them... had blue glowing eyes and the ability to summon a guardian demon, Tris and Ciel had found themselves outnumbered. Tris had learned that he was, in fact, good with the throwing knives. But you needed enchanted knives, not simple steel, to strike Daedra.

Tris had gone down first, sliding with his clumsy leg on the blood-soaked dirt floor of the improvised hall. Claws had torn at his face. Ciel had grabbed his collar and wrenched him upright again. Then he had donned his ring of levitation and found himself no longer struggling not to fall, but no better off, in the air filled with Winged Twilights.

Following Ciel's lead, he had escaped the hall somehow. Then, for no reason that the two men could detect, the daedra had fled.

A moment later they had forgotten the Daedra altogether as they looked up at the sky. And yet again the enormity of what he had lost struck Tris in the chest like Leseth's giant hand. He was going to be killed here, like a peasant, like a slave, because he had lost the Void. He wondered if he had the strength to thrust Ciel away from him and into the Void, the way he could throw a coin or a broach. In the end there was nothing to do but stand and watch, while Aricyn shouted to save them.

Then the waves had struck them, knocking them off their feet. In the water, molten debris had struck Tris, spinning him, burning him, disorienting him. He had learned something new about having only one leg: it was hard to swim.

He had felt a strong hand on the back of his collar again. Felt himself jerked to the surface.

In the shallows, they tended each other's wounds. Ciel's left arm was shredded to the bone. Tris summoned all his magic, used all his potions. He cursed himself for being too proud to beg for the General's help - a few of her potions, now, would go a long way.

But they were alive. Would Azura come after them and destroy them?

Posted by: Solin Jan 17 2005, 08:11 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 16 2005, 11:54 PM)

"So be it," Solin swore with a bowed head. "My hands may never again know such a work as this, I will not let Vehk's progeny fall into ill hands."

He then fell silent and turned his gaze towards Loranna.

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Jan 17 2005, 08:12 AM

Dur'el stood dazed, watching events unfold, as Kasha came to him and hugged him.

"How was that?" He asks flashing his famous smirk.

She answered his question with a smile, and a kiss.

Posted by: Arynel Jan 17 2005, 08:17 AM

Let be what will and all things made able
To each a path to walk and feet to find a trail
Find in a moment an eternity within
Another bit of string unwound...

Arynel bowed, and then the Breton turned around, and began to walk away.

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 08:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 17 2005, 01:58 AM)

Slowly, Loranna's lips move ...

" ....along ..." she whispers, before her eyes flutter open, revealing deep blue eyes ... unchanging, mortal blue eyes.

She draws in a breath, confusion on her face; her eyes looks around and she struggles to sit up, helped by Dagoth. Her hands go to her now unswollen belly and she winces, and she forces the words through her lips:

" ... What happened ... where's Sen-Yedda ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 17 2005, 01:10 AM)

Allerleirauh made the decision before she even decided to make it. Whatever mother Vehk's child would grow up with, it wouldn't be Loranna, with her crazy mother and her even crazier self.

"You're fine," she said quietly. "How do you feel?"

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 17 2005, 02:36 AM)

Loranna opens her mouth - to answer Allie perhaps, or to comment that Allie didn't answer either of her questions.

However, she never gets any other words out; darkness washes over her before she can fully draw in breath to speak. Her eyes close and she slumps back down, her chest only barely moving.

Dagoth gives a little start. " ... Loranna?"

Posted by: stratigo Jan 17 2005, 09:00 AM

Zaldaar appeared next to Loranna. His brow furrowed and he looked around. He looked at Loranna. He knelt down beside her. "Again I was too late." A tear went down his cheek.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Jan 17 2005, 09:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jan 17 2005, 01:39 AM)

"Give her time," Allerleirauh said.

"We need to go to a safe place, before Azura's worshippers regroup and fall on us."

Allerleirauh looked at the people who had remained. Things would be a little trickier now; no more detente. But at least the enemy was clearly marked now.

"Aricyn, can you be healed by magic?" she asked. "You're everyone's hero today, including the villains'. Where is there to go, do you think? Back to the ships? Try to hold a canton? Or strike out over land?"

Posted by: Rhedd Jan 17 2005, 09:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Jan 17 2005, 03:12 AM)

Aricyn pulled himself to his feet. His chest popped horribly as he raised his arm behind him to resheath his sword.

He smiled and shook his head at her question concerning healing.

"Ald Sotha," he croaked. "Close. They would not dare follow."

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 09:32 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Jan 17 2005, 03:16 AM)

With infinite gentleness, and a small bit of telekenesis, Dagoth picks Loranna up and nods to Aricyn.

"We should go quickly, then," he tells everyone, thinking to himself that as soon as Loranna recovers further, he can take her to his own private tower to protect her.

Posted by: stratigo Jan 17 2005, 09:34 AM

Zaldaar stood. His eyes hardened. "hurry, Ill hold them off." He pulled something out of his pocket. "Allerleirauh, give this to Loranna. If I'm not back with the you by tommorrow, tell her to put it on." He handed her the ring. Then he turned and stalked through the canton.

Posted by: Draak Jan 17 2005, 09:48 AM

Ebonheart:

*Our Mer with fiery eyes leaves Helseth to his thoughts. As he steps outside he sees the Moon erupt in flames and then rain down on Vivec*

*Stepping Back Inside*

"You should probably come see this" he says to Helseth.
"Oh, and your Step-sister is there also...... Again" pointing towards Vivec.

*With that he turns and walks away wondering at the specticle*

'This should make for an interesting report' he thinks to himself
'If anyone survives'

Posted by: Loranna Jan 17 2005, 09:53 AM

... And on Draak's post, I think I'll call for a lock on this thread

... Never fear though ... we have another thread being opened. There's still stuff to do.

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna