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The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ RP: Morrowind Moonlight

Posted by: Loranna Jun 30 2005, 03:12 AM

Hello, and welcome to our Elder Scrolls Role Playing threads, where we adventure and socialize in the vibrant land of Tamriel.

Before we begin, we'd like to clarify a few things:

This is an 'open roleplay' and everyone is encouraged to join in at any time!

'Open' roleplay does not mean 'unorganized' or 'limitless', however. The events in this story are usually planned, and if something BIG happens, you can be certain that it is the result of much discussion between players, usually in the mIRC chat (#Loranna_RP). This is not just a bunch of disorganized individuals doing what they think would be fun for their character at the time.

So, while everyone is welcome to join in, they are NOT welcome to jump in and do big, world-changing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST. Let me be very clear about what cannot be done without permission:

1:
Any action that effects another person's character, for ill or good. Although most people realize they can't harm another person's character without permission, many don't realize that you can't HELP another character without permission, either. Many characters have flaws for a reason. Don't go healing, saving, or otherwise fixing another character without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the player involved.

2:
Any event that would drastically change things that have been done to the world, whether the change is physical (rebuilding destroyed locations), political (converting a population to a new cause), military (killing off all the badguys) or anything else. Almost every situation, good or bad, that exists in the RP was done for some reason. Don't go changing or fixing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the group.

Everyone who is involved in the RP is welcome in the mIRC chat channel #Loranna_RP. If you have a plot idea then you are encouraged to go there and discuss it. If you cannot get on the channel for some reason, or if the player whos character you would affect with your plan is not there, then PM them using this board's PM function. That's what it's there for.

For information on reaching #Loranna_RP via Mirc or Chatspike, look http://www.ravensky.org/irc/.

Not following the above advice will only result in one thing: your post is likely to be completely ignored by everyone as if it did not happen. This is obvously not good for anyone, so please, discuss major events before doing them.

Remember: Secret plans and surprises are seldom fun for anyone else. Before they're revealed they're boring, because nobody knows about them, and afterwards they're just annoying, because nobody knew about them.
Thank you, and have fun!

===

Info for Loranna:

Race: Nord
Sex: Female

Info for Gram:

Race: Nord
Sex: Male
Hair: Red, full beard (think Red Hair from Conan the Barbarian)
Eyes: Blue

===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna is in Ald Raathim, where she has been seeing to her domain's needs and listening to her people's wants. She has recently begun constructing a more permanent building for the healers in Ald Raathim and ordered the construction of a new school, as well as tried to divy up the land of Daruhn fairly and equitably between longtime residents and newcomers. She has also recently accepted a runaway slave into her community, intending to pay for him and free him.

She has also spoken with the Dunmer noblewoman Vendama and leard something of Seresina's past, and had a most distressing dream foretelling the doom that awaits her lands. She also is dealing with the fact that her scars on her chest have become public knowledge.

Summary for Gram:

Gram is in Dagon Fel, having met and accepted some new people into the party sent to find Kethiah and Seres. He has just clandestinely tracked down Slyvos and found him, grinning from ear to ear, with the Mace of Molag Bal in hand and with one nasty Imperial Daedra cultist very, very dead. He's off to get a drink.

Posted by: Argonians rule Jun 30 2005, 03:14 AM

Summary for Falco Redflash

The argonian rouge is currently with Shaka an Isidor, escorting a bandit to Dagon Fel guards.

Posted by: Stargazey Jun 30 2005, 03:15 AM

Summary for Isidor: After kicking some serious bandit booty (with the overwheling aid of Falco, Shaka and Loki, of course) they're making their way back to Dagon Fel, with a bandit as prisoner for the guards.

Edit: When they arrived in Dagon Fel, the Guards were walking around aimlessly, as usual. "Oi! Guard! We found this scum" he pushed the prisoner foward "up in the mountains. 'E attacked us, and nearly killed my wolf." The Guards didn't seem to care much, but they shackeled him up and pushed him towards their prison boat. Slapping his companions on the back, he said "Let's get a drink. On me."

Posted by: Arynel Jun 30 2005, 03:17 AM

OOC:

The Breton Arynel is waiting near the End of the World Tavern in Dagon Fel.

Posted by: Argonians rule Jun 30 2005, 03:20 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jun 29 2005, 05:15 PM)

Summary for Isidor: After kicking some serious bandit booty (with the aid of Falco, Shaka and Loki, of course) they're making their way back to Dagon Fel, with a bandit as prisoner for the guards.

OOC: Oh please you give me too little credit.

IC: Falco could soon see the lights of Dagon Fel being put out for the night. The only lights left were the scattered torches of the guards. " Where do you want to unload this big smelly guar?"

Posted by: Stargazey Jun 30 2005, 03:22 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 29 2005, 09:20 PM)

OOC: Oh please you give me too little credit.

OOC: Fixed.

Posted by: syronj Jun 30 2005, 03:22 AM

Summary for Shaka: Returning to Dagon Fel with a bandit captive, Isidor, and Falco. Talking to the assassin Kethiah has resulted in a seeming dead end in the search for Seres.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jun 30 2005, 03:30 AM

Summary for Slyvos:

After his victory against the daedra worshipper/necromancer, and getting his new weapon from the fool's corpse, he went for a drink and then, later, for night lessons with the mace, thanks to Gram's help... hey he's gotta stay on his soon to be father-in-law's good side, ya know?

Posted by: syronj Jun 30 2005, 03:31 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jun 29 2005, 09:15 PM)

Slapping his companions on the back, he said "Let's get a drink. On me."

"Don't mind if I do," admitted Shaka. "Between the hunt and the bandits, I feel like I'm in the Ashlands about now." The golden glow from the End of the World's windows beckoned.

Posted by: Stargazey Jun 30 2005, 03:33 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 29 2005, 09:31 PM)

"Don't mind if I do," admitted Shaka. "Between the hunt and the bandits, I feel like I'm in the Ashlands about now." The golden glow from the End of the World's windows beckoned.

When they entered the bar, Isidor turned to Shaka and said "What'll you drink?"

Posted by: syronj Jun 30 2005, 03:35 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jun 29 2005, 09:33 PM)

When they entered the bar, Isidor turned to Shaka and said "What'll you drink?"

"Flin all right with you? Don't tell Gram, but mead's a little sweet for my taste."

Posted by: Stargazey Jun 30 2005, 03:39 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 29 2005, 09:35 PM)

"Flin all right with you? Don't tell Gram, but mead's a little sweet for my taste."

Isidor winked and said "Each 'is own, eh?" Isidor walked to the bar and said "Two flins and a mead. Table o'er there."

Posted by: Loranna Jun 30 2005, 06:54 AM

Ald Raathim

Night had fallen, and R'shasha felt good; he had a hot meal in him, and the bracers were off, and the Lady of Daruhn had even sent the money which was to buy his freedom from his hateful former master already, despite the siddenness of R'shasha's appearance. Things were finally looking up for the escaped slave.

He settled into his room - a room in the actual castle no less, until a place for him to stay could be found - and sighed, enjoying the creature comforts of a soft bed and blankets that weren't moth-eaten and dirty. He didn't hear the silent creeping of a massive form that slid carefully up to his door ...

===

Thidas had drawn night shift again for the castle, a fact which had made the Dunmer warrior grumble slightly when he was told, but duty was duty and he was a dutiful guard, so he patroled the castle as he was supposed to, eyes open for any disturbance.

This new Lady was decent enough for an Outlander; she earned Jazbet's trust and Thidas had, like most everyone, learned to trust and respect the former Khajiit knight. The way this new Lady was running things though Thidas suspected that sooner or later a Morag Tong assassin would be creeping through the corridors here, so vigilence was called for.

A very faint sound caught Thidas's ear, and he turned to investigate. It seemed to be coming from the general direction of the library. Hand on the hilt of his sword, Thidas went to check the noise out. His nose itched a bit as a scent he wouldn't expect to smell in the castle tickled his nostrils. Was that a dog he smelled?

Then, as he turned the corner, a shadow fell over him and he barely had time to gasp as sharp talons glinted in the low light ...

===

Loranna was asleep when a sudden scream jolted her awake, and jumping out of bed, she grabbed a robe to throw on before looking outside the door. That sounded like a man's scream ...

Then, she heard one of the servants - Anazul, a Khajiit of Jazbet's breed who had a habit of walking the castle when he couldn't sleep. "Jephre, a wer-" Then there was another scream - Anazul's, and Loranna's blood froze in her veins.

Loranna was already running to the source of the scream when she heard other noises, and she called out "Guards! Intruders!"

And then, a towering shape burst from out of the shadows, catching Loranna off-guard, and she felt a powerful limb smack her into the wall, tearing her flesh.

Posted by: Aki Jun 30 2005, 07:25 AM

Summary

Tohe, the young male breton Werewolf is still in Solunastra doing nothing of any note, and for my own sake, he aint getting any summaries until something of note happens there again and hes actually doing things in the story again.

Reichi, the male Dunmer Werewolf is in the 'End of the World' Tavern, as he has been, drinking and listening in on conversations using the Dagger of Senses.

----

Seeing the group of Isidor, Shaka, and Falco, Reichi stood, nodding to them. "Heya folks," he said, smiling. Reichi subtley slipped the Dagger of Senses into its' sheath. As useful as the enchanced senses were, he wouldn't exactly seem very friendly if he was clutching a dagger. And none of them, to Reichi's knowledge, knew of the Dagger's unique enchantment, so they would be somewhat suspicious. Or so Reichi estimated.

"Where y'all been?"

Posted by: syronj Jun 30 2005, 07:51 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 30 2005, 01:25 AM)

[ Seeing the group of Isidor, Shaka, and Falco, Reichi stood, nodding to them. "Heya folks," he said, smiling. Reichi subtley slipped the Dagger of Senses into its' sheath.

"Where y'all been?"

Shaka nodded back. "Long story, Reichi. Some midnight hunting for guar that turned into a bandit clearance." He watched Isidor for a moment to see if Reichi's lupine eyes registered, but couldn't tell what Isidor was thinking. Presumably Isidor had wolves as his totem, but Shaka was hazy on Skyrim beliefs.

As he looked into the warm color of the flin in his glass, for some reason Shaka thought of Ald Raathim for the first time in days. He wondered how Solange was doing. Shaka hadn't warned her of the coming flood, not wanting to alarm the people if there proved a way of preventing the disaster.

He wondered how Loranna was faring. Probably enduring the usual boring routine of nobles' obligations -- as far as he understood such things. Nothing that resourceful woman couldn't handle.

Posted by: Loranna Jun 30 2005, 08:34 AM

Ald Raathim

One servant slain, one guard badly wounded, Dram thought to himself. One recent arrival spirited away, and one Lady of Daruhn in a decidedly unhappy mood. A rather busy night, from the looks of it.

Werewolves, an unknown number but from the accounts at least three if not more. While the household had slept, as near as Dram could determine, the lycanthropes quietly snuck into the castle, took out the night guard and portman - though not outright killed either, Dram noted - and made off with the Khajiit who had just come to Ald Raathim that very day. Two other people - Anazul and Loranna - had been attacked as well, though from everything Dram could tell, neither of them had been specifically targeted; more likely both managed to put themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The entrances to the castle had been locked from the inside, making it difficult for the guards outside to get inside to help. By all accounts, the werewolves had only been in the castle for a few minutes, striking quickly and heading outside - and once they made it to the beach, they simply had vanished, their tracks gone. Guards were searching for them now, but Dram doubted they'd find anything.

Even the one werewolf that had been incapacitated - by the Lady's magic - had vanished without a trace; she had subdued the beast and gone to fetch some guards and a scarce two moments later, the unconscious hulk of a werewolf was simply gone.

It defied all conventional knowledge of werebeasts; already the servants were whispering that the wolves had been ghosts, not fleshy monsters. The Lady Loranna was scowling, wanting answers, and no one seemed to have any. So Dram cleared his throat and replied quietly to his Lady.

"For the past couple of years, my Lady, there had been rumors that the House had ... domesticated a pack of werewolves, and had been using them to procure new slaves and track down fleeing ones," he said. "We had not given these rumors much credence; tonight, I believe my opinion on the matter has changed."

" ... Domesticated werewolves?" Loranna asked, slightly incredulous. The idea was crazy - until you took into account werefolk like Reichi and Eya and Tohe. Then the idea was simply scary.

Dram shrugged. "So the rumors said," he replied. "Nothing is known about them, save that they are said to have never lost a slave they have been sent to track. They are rarely seen; they just appear out of nowhere, strike, and fade away, like tonight. Rarely does anyone outright die by their claws, though they certainly could do much more damage if they so chose - I suspect that is intentional."

Loranna frowned. "Anazul ..." she muttered, though she had seen the wounds herself. The claw strikes were not in of themselves lethal; they had been meant to wound and incapacitate, like the blow that had been dealt her. Anazul died as much from fright as from his wounds; had Loranna been a little faster, she might have saved him even, but she had found Thidas first and stopped to heal him.

"Yes, Anazul," Dram said grimly. "I shall double the guards henceforth, my Lady, and begin a full investigation into how these werewolves slipped in so easily."

Members of the search party returned; Loranna turned a questioning look upon them, but they simply shook their heads.

" ... I promised to help him," Loranna muttered dully.

"You could not have foreseen this, my Lady," Dram told Loranna. "The wolves were likely hot on R'shasha's heels, and as I said - they are just rumored to exist to many."

" ... A cold comfort at best," Loranna sighed. " ... Come; there's much to do ere the dawn ..."

Posted by: Nalion Jun 30 2005, 10:42 AM

Summary:
Nalion, male Breton mage is currently staying in the End of the World inn of Dagon Fel.
He had busied himself with writing down some notes and kept his eyes and ears open for information that could help them in their search for Seres.

Posted by: w0nders Jun 30 2005, 02:29 PM

Dante, somewhere-

It was cold tonight, Dante could feel it. His hair flapped gently in the breeze, as his hand enclosed the hilt of his sword. A figure was approaching, one who he had known would be. “You came.” A dark voice said, the silhouetted character stopped several feet from Dante, planting its feet with a loud ruffling noise.

“I always do.” Dante replied smugly, planting his own feet and drawing his sword. He was drastically unarmoured tonight, only wearing his indoril boots and the gauntlets he had acquired from Rarnil.

“Hm.” The figure grunted, as Dante noticed a large, dark fabric flutter to the floor beside it. Obviously a coat, after it was removed Dante could see that the figure was wearing a suit of stained silver armour, the moonlight illuminating it beautifully. But it was missing something…it took Dante some time to realise what, but once he did his eyes almost burst out of their sockets.

Gauntlets.

“I believe you have something that belongs to me.” The figure said, stepping forward slightly, the light now illuminating a length of chain wrapped around the figure’s torso.

Dante growled, before extending his arm, the tip of his blade pointing towards the figure. “Then you are quite welcome to come claim them!” He shouted back, in the noblest voice he could manage.

At this the figure smirked, a smirk barely visible from Dante’s position. It stepped forward, the moonlight washing over its face.

A vampire.

It began to unravel a certain length of the chain; Dante noticed the large, gruesome hook at one end, which was now in the vampire’s hand.

With a hiss, the hook went sailing towards Dante, the chain looping over his out stretched arm once, then under in the other direction before leaving a huge gash across his chest. Dante moaned, before falling to a knee, quickly being yanked up again as the large, sickening crack of his arm breaking ensued. His sword hit the ground, followed shortly by his quivering form, as the hook and chain slivered back to its owner. As if having a mind of it’s own.

“Hook, line and sinker.”

Posted by: Stargazey Jun 30 2005, 02:53 PM

Isidor sat at the bar, his blood still pumping. The hunt had been exhilirating, and he was glad to have done it. "Hey, barmaid, how much is a bed?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Jun 30 2005, 06:18 PM

Falco yawned. " Excellent thought Isidor.I should be getting some sleep also." He tossed the innkeep 10 gold, wich he had stolen from the man earlier. The innkeep tossed him a key to the rom. And then sat back tom ponder how he still hadn't made any profits in the last few days.

Posted by: Aki Jun 30 2005, 06:58 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jun 30 2005, 01:51 AM)

"Shame i missed it, i like hunting, even if Shortblades are a bit less than useful with it," Reichi replied. Of course, hunting alone and with tooth and fang is far more enjoyable than that... Reichi mentally added. "Bandits are even more fun to hunt than guar, you don't have to cut 'em up to get the stuff that can be sold for profit."

Posted by: Stargazey Jun 30 2005, 11:08 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jun 30 2005, 12:58 PM)

"You missed quite a fight, Dunmer. These Argonians can hold their weight in battle." Isidor tossed ten gold on the counter and took the key of the counter. "G'night."

Posted by: Aki Jul 1 2005, 01:35 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jun 30 2005, 05:08 PM)

"You missed quite a fight, Dunmer. These Argonians can hold their weight in battle." Isidor tossed ten gold on the counter and took the key of the counter. "G'night."

"Apparently so," Reichi said, grinning. "Night, watch out for Ghosts, they like to come back recently. Not just the nice ones either, the annoying vengeful ones too."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 02:40 AM

As Falco went to his room he passed by Merlys, the barmaid from earlier. When she walked past him he was about to greet her. Suddenly he felt a strange chill go down his spine. He looked back at her as she went into her own room. He had felt something odd. There was something about this girl he didn't trust. She had a strange aura around her. Falco decided to pay close attention to her from now on. He entered his room closed the door and quikly fell asleep.

Posted by: S'reddit Jul 1 2005, 08:18 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jun 30 2005, 05:40 PM)

The next morning, Merlys and Kethiah were both gone.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 1 2005, 08:50 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Jul 1 2005, 02:18 AM)

The next morning, Merlys and Kethiah were both gone.

Dagon Fel

The night had been one of the best for the small fishing community in some time; not only had a troublesome gang of bandits been dealt with, but the ghosts which had been giving people restless nights of sleep had seemed to quiet down too - or at least most of them.

Gram emerges from the End Of The World, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. His lessons to Slyvos had gone well, and apparently one of the spirits Slyvos had helped had promised to help them with their current quest. An unexpected but most welcome piece of luck, that.; Shaka had also met up with Kethiah already, so the purpose of their trip out here was fulfilled.

Ambling out to the docks, Gram inquires about the next boat heading to Ald Raathim; it seemed a good time to head back and let his daughter know what the party had found.

Ald Raathim

Loranna comes out of her alchemy workshop, having found it hard to get back to sleep after the werewolf attack. Some silver and some of the more pungent reagents in her possession proved to be of use to her over the night.

Dram was still busy with his investigations, Kallen seemed to have most of today's business under control, and Razbiah remarked that her Lady looked like she'd been up all night. Maybe she'd catch a nap this morning; yes, a nap sounded good, then she'd discuss things with Dram and plan their next move ...

Posted by: Arynel Jul 1 2005, 08:58 PM

The Breton Arynel made his way to the docks.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jul 1 2005, 09:02 PM

Slyvos was back to his old self after the excitement of last night, the adrenaline rush of killing the necromancer abated.

He stood, away from mostly everyone and anyone in a little place by the docks...

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 09:02 PM

Falco approached Gram. " Gram, my friend may I ask a favor of you? I know that since you no longer need travel to Vas youdon't need me as a guide. But this time in Dagon Fel has rekindled my love of adventuring. Would you be so kind as to allow me to continue on in the group? I swear you would not get the slightest of trouble from myself."

Posted by: syronj Jul 1 2005, 09:08 PM

After a quick breakfast, Shaka had gone a little past the harbor to practice unarmed combat and meditate. The morning sun gleamed off the bronze-colored spires of the dwemer ruins to the northeast.

Clapping his hands together once, Shaka stood and walked over to the others. His gear was already packed, and Shaka wore the Dragonbone Cuirass again. He had not worn it while inside the town for the most part.

Posted by: Nalion Jul 1 2005, 09:11 PM

Nalion sat on a stone near the docks and watched the waves. His chin was cupped in one hand and he seemed deep in tought.
The mage wore the garment that he used to wear when adventuring, a sturdy robe of black and brown wool, a pouch at his side and the Dagger of Senses at his belt. His steel staff leaned at a barrel nearby.

As he saw the adventurers approaching, he smiled. The Breton stood and grabbed his staff and joined the group.

"It is back to Ald Raathim, I guess. Yes, I think we have accomplished what we needed to do here. Let us make haste, for the earlier this situation is solved, the better."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 1 2005, 09:17 PM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 03:02 PM)

"I've already reserved passage for you as well as our new companion Isidor," Gram says with a grin. "I can smell further adventure on the wind once we get back to my daughter's lands."

The weather, though not as favorable as it had been for the trip to Dagon Fel, was nonetheless suitable for sailing, and the Inner Sea calm. The boat makes good time, and by the next morning, the castle od Ald Raathim comes into view.

Gram fans himself as the boat appraches the harbor; this far south into Morrowind it was noticably warmer than Dagon Fel, whose climate agreed with the burly Nord much more than did this one.

Posted by: syronj Jul 1 2005, 09:19 PM

"Morning, friends. Gram, I still don't feel right about hitting a wall in our search for Seres .... but Kethiah says she will keep her ear to the ground for us."

Shaka felt the humidity of Ald Raathim with gratitude. It already felt more like home, more home than his native Black Marsh, left behind long ago in search of knowledge.

Posted by: Nalion Jul 1 2005, 09:29 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 09:19 PM)

"I think that Kethiah is capable enough to find us here if she finds out something new. And I also doubt that we would have found further information if we had visited the Ashlanders. They are not very friendly to outlanders." Nalion answered. "And we do not know how they will react after all that happened at Hogithum, especially with the Ahemmusa." the mage added in thought.

Nalion approached a watchman guarding the docks. "Please send word to Lady Dres Loranna that we seek an audience with her."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 1 2005, 09:36 PM

" ... I see; the castle is really that easy to sneak into?" Loranna asks Dram after hearing his initial report.

"With respect my Lady, one would need to be well-trained in the arts of infiltration to do what those werewolves did last night," Dram countered politely. "But yes; at that level of skill, these weaknesses I found are exploitable. However, we can ..."

Dram and Loranna are interupted by a servant. "Forgive the interuption my Lady, but your father and friends have returned from Dagon Fel."

Loranna turns to Dram, but the Dunmer guard is already nodding and saying "I shall begin what needs to be done, my Lady."

"Thank you Dram," Loranna says as she goes to greet her friends in the main hall. "Welcome back, everyone," she says, smiling. "And hello to the new faces I see; I am Dres Loranna Pyrel, welcome to Ald Raathim."

"Couldn't you put the Dres part after the Pyrel part ..." Gram mutters to himself.

Posted by: syronj Jul 1 2005, 09:38 PM

"I think that Kethiah is capable enough to find us here if she finds out something new. And I also doubt that we would have found further information if we had visited the Ashlanders. They are not very friendly to outlanders." Nalion answered.

Hearing Nalion's counsel, Shaka was silent for a moment as he thought on that. Dagon Fel had been isolated from the main part of Vvardenfell by distance, as ever, and Ald Raathim was verdant still. Shaka tended to forget sometimes the extent of the devastation wrought by Red Mountain that Hogithum.

After salvaging a few of his possessions from Caldera, Shaka had left for southern Vvardenfell. Most of the destruction on the island had been second-hand accounts for him since then.

Looking at the Lady of Daruhn's land, he felt anew a desire to help it survive however he might. He could see townsfolk fishing off the breakwater from here; a child stood and waved at the sight of their vessel's return.

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 09:42 PM

Falco saw Loranna. He approached and kissed her hand. "Greetings M'Lady.I am Falco Redflash. A newer member of this adventuing party. Your lands are indeed magnificent to behold."

Posted by: syronj Jul 1 2005, 09:51 PM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 03:42 PM)

Falco saw Loranna. He approached and kissed her hand. "Greetings M'Lady.I am Falco Redflash. A newer member of this adventuing party. Your lands are indeed magnificent to behold."

Smiling despite himself, Shaka stepped forward. "Falco, you've only seen the harbor so far. My lady, may I introduce the Rogue-as-you-may-have-guessed, Falco; and this is Isidor, originally of Skyrim."

He thought her eyes looked a little worn. What had happened while they were up north?

Posted by: Nalion Jul 1 2005, 09:58 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 09:51 PM)

Nalion chuckled and grinned at Shaka and Falco, then his face quickly turned serious again.

"We have news, Loranna. And it seems you have, too. The guards have been increased, as I see.", Nalion told the Nordic woman, clearly not comfortable to adress this matter where servants could overhear the words. "Could we all move to the study to discuss this?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 09:58 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 11:51 AM)

Falco smiled rougishly, "Well that may be so but I can already tell these lands are truly great."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 1 2005, 10:04 PM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 03:58 PM)

Falco smiled rougishly, "Well that may be so but I can already tell these lands are truly great."

"And I can tell that someone is about to recieve a lesson in how Nords get their points across," Gram says, laying a heavy hand on Falco's shoulder. "Let's not dwell overmuch on the greatness of these lands, shall we lad?" He gives a friendly, 'I'm Going To Knock You Senseless' grin.

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 03:58 PM)

Nalion chuckled and grinned at Shaka and Falco, then his face quickly turned serious again.

"We have news, Loranna. And it sems you have, too. The guards have been increased, as I see.", Nalion told the Nordic woman, clearly not comfortable to adress this matter where servants could overhear the words. "Could we all move to the study to discuss this?"

"Yes; let's go to the study," Loranna says, giving her father a glance. "Dad, don't ring his bell in the castle; it makes people nervous."

"I'm just trying to be a good father," Gram counters.

"I'm perfectly cabale of ringing bells myself," Loranna smiles, making Gram frown and mutter "The study it is then; I take it more wine this time ..."

Loranna leads everyone up to the study, and has wine from High Rock brought for peoples' refreshments.

" ... It's been fairly busy here while you were gone," she comments as she sips the wine. "But I'm burning to know what happened in Vas; what did Kethiah have to say?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 10:10 PM

Falco looked quite offended. " Good sir Why would you want to ring my bell. I was merely complimenting the lady on the most excellent work she has done governing these lands. Oh and Lady Loranna the basic some of our meeting with Kethiah was that she didn't know where young master Seres was either. She did however explain that there may have been some foul play afoot regarding the death of Raithmat. I'm quite sure Shaka can fill in the details."

Posted by: syronj Jul 1 2005, 10:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 04:04 PM)

Loranna leads everyone up to the study, and has wine from High Rock brought for peoples' refreshments.

" ... It's been fairly busy here while you were gone," she comments as she sips the wine. "But I'm burning to know what happened in Vas; what did Kethiah have to say?"

Shaka accepted the crystal glass with a nod of thanks. He had a feeling Loranna was understating the situation greatly ......

He decided to tell Loranna another time how Raithmat had met his end, and by what herbs. Still too many pairs of ears here, no matter how trusted most of them were. "Kethiah told me the werewolf attack on the Ashlanders was no accident; Raithmat staged it as cover for a Morag Tong writ on Seres."

"Kethiah wasn't personally involved that day. She's going to check her guild contacts to see if she can find out more, but Kethiah thinks all the village, including Seres, died that day."

Seeing Loranna's expression, Shaka added: "My lady, I can't accept that we could have failed in our mission for you. I wonder if there's any chance some of the Ashlanders could have escaped that day. ...."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 1 2005, 10:22 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 04:13 PM)

Loranna's expression was indeed less than sunny, though Shaka and the others might notice the mention of werewolves does not seem to surprise her.

"I see," Loranna says. "I had spoken with Lady Vendama; she mentioned that the Ashlander village was destroyed by werewolves. It seems that Raithmat sent Seresina away before Seres was born, but allowed Seresina herself to return after giving birth. The poor girl tried to make amends with her father, but news of Seres's deah utterly wrecked her."

" ... If any Ashlanders escaped, it's probable that they would have ended up dead after Hogithum anyway," Loranna continues, frowning. "You haven't failed, Shaka; you found out exactly what I asked you to find out. I knew there was a possibility that Kethiah would have bad news for us ..."

Posted by: Nalion Jul 1 2005, 10:32 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 10:22 PM)

Nalion nodded, the early sunlight shining through the windows reflected in his eyes. "Confirmation of an information by a second source is always to be appreciated. It will back up your arguments."

Somehow, the mages expression seemed puzzled, as if he wanted to put pieces of a riddle together, but they did not fit properly.

Posted by: syronj Jul 1 2005, 10:36 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 04:32 PM)

Somehow, the mages expression though seemed puzzled, as if he wanted to put pieces of a riddle together, but they did not fit properly.

Shaka held the glass in both hands for the moment, his head down in thought. He didn't want this day to come, but perhaps he should start thinking of how he could help in the event that the town had to evacuate to higher ground in less than a month. It seemed almost futile. Where could the people of Ald Raathim find safety?

Even if they did survive the flood, how could Loranna rule lands that had disappeared forever beneath the waters? Shaka was too old to want to pull up stakes again so soon.

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 10:39 PM

Falc piped up, "Well is there any there any others who may be able to fulfll Rithmats Demands?Or was Seres the only one?"

Posted by: Loranna Jul 1 2005, 10:42 PM

Loranna turns her gaze to look at the others. "Did anyone else have anything to add?" she asks.

Gram speaks up. "Slyvos had a moment of heroism where he took down a worshipper of Molag Bal, and in the process he helped put two more ghosts to rest; one of those ghosts has promised to help us somehow." He frowns. "Though of course, we can't rely on that."

Loranna smiles, briefly thinking of how to tease the full story out of Slyvos later; her tearstreaks catch the light, making her face look that much more radiant. "I see ..."

Then, she is frowning, thinking again of the situation. " ... You know, it's very odd to have a pack of trained werewolf assassins," she mentions. "Though apparently the idea caught on; it seems House Dres has a pack of werewolf slavers. I got to meet them last night - they're very good at their work."

Loranna's lips tighten into a grimace.

Posted by: Nalion Jul 1 2005, 10:43 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 10:36 PM)

Despite the ever present difficulty of reading Argonian facial expressions, Nalion could feel doubt and fear in Shaka. Nalion himself, though he admitted that the situation was troubling, remained calm.

He rose from his seat and began to pace slowly up and down, carefully measuring his steps, as if he would deliberately set one foot in front of the other and as if there was not a single thought left than doing just this: Walking.

Then he lifted his head and spoke up.

"We do not know all the details yet. There are pieces of the puzzle still missing. Search your minds, friends. What has happened that might be important. Happened in Dagon Fel, happened in Ald Raathim. Anything out of the ordinary? Remarkable? Strange? Dangerous?"

Posted by: Loranna Jul 1 2005, 10:43 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 04:42 PM)

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 04:39 PM)

Falc piped up, "Well is there any there any others who may be able to fulfll Rithmats Demands?Or was Seres the only one?"

"Only the son of his son or the son of his daughter," Loranna says. "And to be honest, I'm pretty sure they're one and the same."

Posted by: Nalion Jul 1 2005, 10:53 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 10:42 PM)

Then, she is frowning, thinking again of the situation. " ... You know, it's very odd to have a pack of trained werewolf assassins," she mentions. "Though apparently the idea caught on; it seems House Dres has a pack of werewolf slavers. I got to meet them last night - they're very good at their work."

Nalion stopped abruptly, gazing sharply at Loranna. He seemed... different, in a way.
"Wait. Repeat that. Werewolves in Ald Raathim? Domesticated ones?"

"Ah, some information we have at this time is contradicting the knowledge we have now. Maybe a closer investigation of the facts we have at hand may yield more."

The mages eyes shone, he clearly knew something now.

"Werewolves attacked Seres."

"Seres is dead."

"Raithmat clearly wants to see his son."

"Domesticated werewolves are used by House Dres."

"Don't you feel something is wrong here? Look at the information with critical eyes. Something is illogical here. Find it!"

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 10:56 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 12:53 PM)

Nalion stopped abruptly, gazing sharply at Loranna. He seemed... different, in a way.
"Wait. Repeat that. Werewolves in Ald Raathim? Domesticated ones?"

"Ah, some information we have at this time is contradicting the knowledge we have now. Maybe a closer investigation of the facts we have at hand may yield more."

The mages eyes shone now, he clearly knew something now

"Werewolves attacked Seres."

"Seres is dead."

"Raithmat clearly wants to see his son."

"Domesticated werewolves are used by House Dres."

"Don't you feel something is wrong here? Look at the information with critical eyes."

Falco starightened up, "Are you implying that the same werewolves attacked the camp those many years ago? If so we may be able to track the ones that attacked last night and find out who sent them. With that knowledge we may be able to piece the puzzle together. Brilliant.

Posted by: syronj Jul 1 2005, 11:00 PM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 04:56 PM)

Shaka's head snapped up. "Werewolves, here? ..." He thought for a second. "Falco, it may not have been the same werewolves as eighteen years ago. But if Raithmat thought Seres had been killed, why would he demand him in the first place? Could Seres have been .... I don't know, kidnapped by the first werewolves and changed into one of them?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 11:02 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 01:00 PM)

" Tis' possible. I believe that our best lead as of now is to track down those werewolves from last night."

Posted by: Nalion Jul 1 2005, 11:04 PM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 10:56 PM)

"Think some more, friend, I said some of the information we have does not fit with the rest."

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 11:00 PM)

"Exactly."

"Why would a ghost seek his dead son on mundus?

"Contradiction."

"Logical conclusion: the son must be alive."

"Question: What is likely to happen to someone who is attacked by werewolves and survives?"

Posted by: Arynel Jul 1 2005, 11:06 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 03:04 PM)

"Think some more, friend, I said some of the information we have does not fit with the rest."
"Exactly."

"Why would a ghost seek his dead son on mundus?

"Contradiction."

"Logical conclusion: the son must be alive."

"Question: What is likely to happen to someone who is attacked by werewolves and survives?"

"I dare to guess," Arynel interjected, after being silent for some time, "that he is at present a werewolf himself."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 1 2005, 11:09 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 05:04 PM)

"He becomes a werewolf himself unless cured in time," Loranna says, smiling. "And everyone else in his village was supposedly killed; who would heal him in time?"

"As it happens, I know at least where the werewolves from last night went," she continues. "They came to snatch back a Khajiit slave who fled to Ald Raathim, who I had just promised safe asylum to. I'd even sent compensation to his former master not even twelve hours before the werewolves took him away."

Posted by: syronj Jul 1 2005, 11:10 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 05:06 PM)

"I dare to guess," Arynel interjected, after being silent for some time, "that he is at present a werewolf himself."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 11:17 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 01:10 PM)

Mara, thought Shaka. I should have thought of this more deeply. "What would Seres be like by now," Shaka wondered aloud. "Eighteen years of being a predator by night. Is he even his own man, or someone's slave?"
"As it happens, I know at least where the werewolves from last night went," she continues. "They came to snatch back a Khajiit slave who fled to Ald Raathim, who I had just promised safe asylum to. I'd even sent compensation to his former master not even twelve hours before the werewolves took him away."
"My lady, you say you compensated the owner. Should we start with him?"

" Well My dear lady, who was the owner?" He seems to be the prime supect behind this entire conspiracy."

Posted by: Nalion Jul 1 2005, 11:26 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 11:06 PM)

"I dare to guess," Arynel interjected, after being silent for some time, "that he is at present a werewolf himself."

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 11:09 PM)

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 11:10 PM)

QUOTE

" Well My dear lady, who was the owner?" He seems to be the prime supect behind this entire conspiracy."

"I don't think that the owner of these hunters is the villain in this scheme, yet I do believe that he may point us at least to the whereabouts of a werewolf that may bear the name Seres."

"After all, Seresina returned and sought to make amends with Raithmat. Maybe the son did, too?" Nalion asked and moved slowly back to his seat. The gleam in his eyes had vanished, yet he seemed content with what just happened. He took up his glass of wine that he did not touch until now, admired its rich colour and drank a deep swallow. Then, the mage sat down and gazed into the assembled group.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 1 2005, 11:33 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 05:26 PM)

"True and true, my friends." Nalion answered with a smile. "And if I might add, from my time in House Telvanni I know that potions which could cure diseases were a valuable trading good among ashlanders and rather rare. Fighting the diseases roaming the ashlands did in fact result in low stocks of these vital elixirs."
"I don't think that the owner of these hunters is the villain in this scheme, yet I do believe that he may point us at least to the whereabouts of a werewolf that may bear the name Seres."

"After all, Seresina returned and sought to make amends with Raithmat. Maybe the son did, too?" Nalion asked and moved slowly back to his seat. The gleam in his eyes had vanished, yet he seemed content with what just happened. He took up his glass of wine that he did not touch until now, admired its rich colour and drank a deep swallow. Then, the mage sat down and gazed into the assembled group.

"Right now Nalion dear all we really know is that Seres is still alive and that he is very likely a werewolf," Loranna says. "I get the feeling that he doesn't know anything about his parentage; his own mother had left him behind and anyone who could tell him who his parents were was dead." Nalion can see Loranna looking at him with an odd little smile.

"The man in question is Dres Bradas," Loranna answers Falco. "His lands, Ald Rarayn, are to the north of Ald Raathim. He's a fair distance away; I think he's close enough to Blacklight that the guild guide can make the trip somewhat shorter."

Posted by: Nalion Jul 1 2005, 11:40 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 11:33 PM)

"And that is where I left the path of knowledge and turned again to speculation.", Nalion smiled. "I agree though, that we should pay Dres Bradas a visit. Maybe we learn something there that is useful."

Posted by: syronj Jul 1 2005, 11:46 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 05:40 PM)

A slaveholder, thought Shaka with some of the old dislike. "I wouldn't mind breaking this particular worthy if we have to," he said, standing. "But now that Loranna's a Dres noble, what's the best approach? Should you accompany us or stay here, my Lady?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 1 2005, 11:53 PM

Falco stood, " So lets pay this Bradas a little "vist" shall we?" He rubbed his palms in anticipation.

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 12:05 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 05:53 PM)

Falco stood, " So lets pay this Bradas a little "vist" shall we?" He rubbed his palms in anticipation.

"Not that simple, brother," said Shaka. "He won't talk to us of the 'beast races'. Let the Lady and the mages figure it out for a moment." He refilled Falco's glass, and his own.

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 12:05 AM

OOC: I'm gone for a few hours, and look what's happened.

IC: Isidor, who had not spoken yet, looked at Loranna and said "My dear lady, it is truely a pleasure to meet you, as your companions speak quite highly of you. I will loyally serve you, until my death."

Edit: "Shaka, I would more than gladly pay this "man" a visit. It would be the first test of my mettle since joining this group."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 12:13 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 02:05 PM)

"Not that simple, brother," said Shaka. "He won't talk to us of the 'beast races'. Let the Lady and the mages figure it out for a moment." He refilled Falco's glass, and his own.

"Perhaps you're right brother. He like most (but not all of course) Dunmer nobles is probably intolerant and racist. I suppose the others will have to speak with him. While there, perhaps I can liberate a few of his slaves."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 12:20 AM

Loranna raises her hands. "Everyone, let's not get too worked up here; much as I dislike slavery myself, we can't just go around strongarming Dres nobles ..."

She gives Isidor a polite smile. "A pleasure to meet you too, dear; I'm ... very flattered you already feel such loyalty, especially since we only just met." She grins a little.

She thinks for a moment. "Right now, the best thing to do is to have someone go talk to Bradas, find out how to reach the werewolf pack," she says. "Preferably not a large intimidating group."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 12:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 02:20 PM)

" Might I suggest we come up with an excuse for speaking with him. After all chances are great that he will request a reason as to why we asked for his audience. We wouldn't want to let on we suspect his pack of werewolves were the ones who attacked Seres."

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 12:51 AM

Reichi growled. "Domesticated Werewolves," he muttered, clenching his fists lightly. The use of 'Domesticated' was more of the source of his anger than the actual Werewolves. It was about infuriating to a Werewolf to use that work as miles of feilds of Khajiit slaves are to a Khajiit. "Grr, I had heard the rumors of Dres' council being Vampires, but using Werewolves to track down Slaves?" he asked rhetorically.

"Like cheap hounds. Point me at 'em. I'll find em," Reichi said. And rip em to shreds... he mentally added.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 12:54 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 06:22 PM)

"What's wrong with just telling him the truth - that I wish to speak with these werewolves?" Loranna asks with a mild expression.

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 06:51 PM)

"The Tong used them too Reichi ..." Loranna says quietly. " ... For all we know, the wolves are essentially mercanaries, just really well-trained. The domesticated part could just refer to the fact that they don't act on their wilder instincts all the time."

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 12:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 06:54 PM)

"What's wrong with just telling him the truth - that I wish to speak with these werewolves?" Loranna asks with a mild expression.
"The Tong used them too Reichi ..." Loranna says quietly. " ... For all we know, the wolves are essentially mercanaries, just really well-trained. The domesticated part could just refer to the fact that they don't act on their wilder instincts all the time."

"It makes sense," added Shaka. "Instead of hiding who you are, on the run all the time, they find a guild. So to speak."

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 12:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 06:54 PM)

"This is true. Under training and beatings, any animal can be come domesticated."

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 12:58 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 1 2005, 04:56 PM)

"This is true. Under training and beatings, any animal can be come domesticated."

"How inefficient," Arynel muttered.

The Breton chuckled to himself but said nothing.

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 01:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 02:54 PM)

"What's wrong with just telling him the truth - that I wish to speak with these werewolves?" Loranna asks with a mild expression.

" Simple Ma'ame. Never let possible enemies know the full of your plans and motivations. You always need an edge against him. While I highly doubt he was behind it all there is always the possibility he was. Yoou are right that we should ask to speak with his werewolves, but we must be sure Seres's name never comes up.

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 01:03 AM

"Meh," Reichi replied, crossing his arms over his chest and huffing. He grumbled something untelligible. He gave Isidor a dark glare, resisting the urging to ram the Dagger of Senses into the Nords face for that remark.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 01:07 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 07:03 PM)

"Guys, enough," Loranna says.

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 07:00 PM)

"I never said mention Seres," Loranna points out. "Just that I want to speak to the werewolves. If he asks, we can imply I'm interested in hiring them for something. I'm Dres, after all, and they're working for Dres right now."

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 01:11 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 07:03 PM)

"I do not mean to offend you, Reichi. This is simply a fact. I have seen this in Skyrim."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 01:12 AM

Falco stood. He downed His own glass and then Shaka's. " Now that this is all settled. May I inquire as to the time and date of our departure?"

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 01:13 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 1 2005, 05:11 PM)

"I do not mean to offend you, Reichi. This is simply a fact. I have seen this in Skyrim."

"Walk ye each the foot-worn path, onward as the road doth lead," Arynel said.

The Breton chuckled to himself again.

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 01:17 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 1 2005, 07:11 PM)

"I do not mean to offend you, Reichi. This is simply a fact. I have seen this in Skyrim."

"Yes, i'm sure people beat and train Werewolves in Skyrim all the time," Reichi replied dryly, ignoring Arynel's words completely. Reichi learned to tune the Breton out when he didn't speak clearly. "Well," he said, turning back towards Loranna. "Seeing as we have our plan of action, why don't we put it in action?"

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 01:21 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 07:17 PM)

"That's reasonable," Loranna says, looking at her companions. "I don't think a large group is the best idea for this, though. One or two people, maybe three; people that a Dunmer noble would feel at least semi comfortable talking to."

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 01:24 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 07:17 PM)

"Sarcasam runs through your veins, doesn't it Dunmer? Lady Loranna, if you need any sort of muscle, I would more than gladly help." He bowed.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 01:30 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 1 2005, 07:24 PM)

"Sarcasam runs through your veins, doesn't it Dunmer? Lady Loranna, if you need any sort of muscle, I would more than gladly help." He bowed.

"Thank you," Loranna says to Isidor. She lokos at her companions. "Any other volunteers?" Her eyes fall on the Dunmer and Bretons in the party in particular.

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 01:31 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 05:30 PM)

"Thank you," Loranna says to Isidor. She lokos at her companions. "Any other volunteers?" Her eyes fall on the Dunmer and Bretons in the party in particular.

Arynel looked at Loranna.

"I will go, of course," the Breton said.

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 01:32 AM

"I'll go," Reichi said. "A Dunmer Noble will probablly be more favourable to you if he sees you don't have a full party of Nords, Khajiits, Argonians, and such. No offense of course. Nobles just like to hold onto old grudges."

Posted by: Nalion Jul 2 2005, 01:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 2 2005, 01:30 AM)

"Thank you," Loranna says to Isidor. She lokos at her companions. "Any other volunteers?" Her eyes fall on the Dunmer and Bretons in the party in particular.

"If my help is needed, I will not stay my hand.", Nalion nodded. "We can go to Blacklight via guild guide. I think the location of Dres Bradas' estate can be found easily."
The mage took a swallow from his glass of wine. He would need no time for preparation.

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 01:40 AM

Falco smiled. "So while some of you are speaking with Dunmer nobles and attempting to search for a dangerous werewolf I'll stay here. Sounds like a great plan to me. If anyone needs me I'll be at the local tavern."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 01:41 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 07:38 PM)

"That's four - a good enough party for this," Loranna says. "Thank you all."

"For everyone else - well, Ald Raathim may not be the Imperial city or Daggerfall, but we have warm beds and a lovely beach to our name," she continues. "I will have rooms prepared for you here in the castle."

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 01:43 AM

Isidor smiled and said "Two bretons, a Dunmer and a Nord. Quite a motley crew for meeting a Dres noble." Isidor took out his axe and began to shine his axe, just in case.

"Dunmer, any problems you have with me, let us resolve before we embark on this journey."

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 01:50 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 07:41 PM)

Shaka felt relieved that the group had a goal again. "My lady, I have an idea for a celebration tonight, a kind of defiance to this ghost." He explained the plan and left to prepare.

In early evening, Solange delivered a load of flowers to the Ald Raathim beach near the breakwater. She smiled in amazement to see the torches set in the sand, and the guar being roasted on a spit. Several of the adventurers were talking and laughing with the Ald Raathim locals.

Shaka had left his armor and weapons back at the castle and was swimming in the bay. Mara's kilt was folded on the beach.

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 02:10 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 1 2005, 07:43 PM)

"No prolbme swith you," Reichi responded. "Merely one comment of yours," Reichi smiled.

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 02:11 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 08:10 PM)

"No prolbme swith you," Reichi responded. "Merely one comment of yours," Reichi smiled.

"Very well. Let us leave, as soon as we can."

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 02:13 AM

Solange delivered the party decorations and slipped a gold kanet into her hair. When she returned to the water's edge, Shaka had gotten out and was in his kilt again. The setting sun glinted off the ebony and glass in his left ear.

"I'm glad you could attend this, Solange," he said. The adventurers had not told the town why the celebration. Shaka only knew that he'd be damned if Raithmat would crush their spirits the way he had soiled all around him while alive.

"You even hired some bards and drummers," Solange remarked. Shaka studied her for a moment, not attempting further intimacies. It was enough for him that the group was together and seeming to relax for the first time since before Dagon Fel.

"Why are your eyes sad?" she said after a while.

Shaka thought, Because this moment is fleeting. Because I'm mortal and, despite everything I've seen in my travels, I don't really think there's an afterlife. I'm scared, Solange, he thought; but this wasn't the evening to talk about it.

He reached out a hand, and one ivory-colored talon brushed the hair back from her face. "Come and meet the others," he said.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 02:21 AM

While Shaka is arranging his evening festivities, and Loranna is looking to talk with a certain Khajiit, Nalion, Isidor, Arynel, and Reichi take the guild guide to Blacklight. The city was noticably more empty than it was in pre-Blue Dawn days, though already showing signs of building itself back up to former glories.

Asking for directions to Ald Rarayn soon shows the party has a several hour jaunt ahead of them, through the rich farmland of Dres territory. As they travel, they can see slaves working the fields, wiping sweat from their brows and tending the saltrice and other plants.

At last they reach Ald Rarayn, and the large plantation that houses the Lord of the land's castle. An armored guard wearing Dres livery stops the party.

"State your names and business," the guard hisses.

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 02:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 08:21 PM)

While Shaka is arranging his evening festivities, and Loranna is looking to talk with a certain Khajiit, Nalion, Isidor, Arynel, and Reichi take the guild guide to Blacklight. The city was noticably more empty than it was in pre-Blue Dawn days, though already showing signs of building itself back up to former glories.

Asking for directions to _\_ soon shows the party has a several hour jaunt ahead of them, through the rich farmland of Dres territory. As they travel, they can see slaves working the fields, wiping sweat from their brows and tending the saltrice and other plants.

At last they reach Tel _, and the large plantation that houses the Lord of the land's castle. An armored guard wearing Dres livery stops the party.

"State your names and business," the guard hisses.

"My name is Isidor, my companions can better explain our business."

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 02:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 08:21 PM)

.

"State your names and business," the guard hisses.

"Reichi Sari, we come to speak to Dres Bradas," Reichi said, giving a slight bow to the guard.

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 02:28 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 08:27 PM)

"Reichi Sari, we come to speak to Dres Bradas," Reichi said, giving a slight bow to the guard.

"Our other companions are Arynel and Nalion, Bretons. Now please, give us no trouble, we simply wish to speak with Bradas."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 02:29 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 04:13 PM)

He spent much of his time impressing the young maidens with tales of how he had defeated a wereshark with his bare hands. He then proceeded tot tell the story of the bandits near Dagon Fel. With slight modifications of course. "So Shaka and Isidor were captured by the villians. So I drew my saber. A slash left then right then thrust. 3 fell dead. Two charged me I ducked and they collided with each other, running themselves through. The remaing 3 screamed. They ran for it. I through my saber into the back of one. The other I leaped onto and snapped the elf's neck. The last begged for mercy. being, an argonian of honor allowed him to live."

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 02:30 AM

Arynel stepped towards the mer.

“Greetings,” Arynel said, weaving a charm spell into his voice, “We are interested in discussing the services of trained werebeasts, who would you suggest we speak to?”

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 02:33 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 08:30 PM)

The guard had been glaring at everyone behind his visored helmet, and turns to look at Arynel.

"Trained werebeasts?" he mutters, his voice grating. "Eh; the Lord would be the one to speak to about that."

He beckons over a coupld of guards. "Your weapons please, while I send word to the Lord of your arrival."

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 02:34 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 08:29 PM)

............ The last begged for mercy. being, an argonian of honor allowed him to live."

Shaka and Solange walked past Falco. The battlemage glanced at the barbeque pit and murmured, "They say we taste pretty good. I wonder ..." he glanced at Falco, then shook his head and continued on with the Breton.

"What did you say, Shaka?", said Solange.

"Nothing, my lady," he replied.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jul 2 2005, 02:35 AM

Slyvos was invisible the whole time, listening in. He was no good diplomatically unless the problem could be solved through magic...

He saw Loranna, standing in her room after all of this, doing whatever she was doing, and snuck in through the open window, grinning invisibly. He snuck up behind her and covered her eyes with his hands.

'guess who?'

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 02:36 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 08:33 PM)

Reichi drew and handed over the Dagger of Senses. "Just don't lose it," he cautioned.

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 02:36 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 08:33 PM)

"My weapon? Why should I surrender it? I have no ill will for your "lord", as I have never met him before."

Posted by: Dumbkid Jul 2 2005, 02:37 AM

A number of bards, both men, mer, and betmer, were gathered around to beach, with lutes and drums and pleasant voices, they began a jolly tune.

Gather round ye mer and menfolk
Betmer too the time is hear
For celebratory exuberance
On the shores by Ald Raathim

Come ye each from the city
Or from the villages near and far
Make your way now to the seaside
We will have the grandest time

Bring your favorite homemade dish
Food freshly picked or slaughtered
Put on your best party clothes
And come down to the waters

Gather round ye everyone
Come down to the seaside
We will have a grand ole time
On the shores by Ald Raathim

Posted by: Nalion Jul 2 2005, 02:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 2 2005, 02:33 AM)

"Very well." Nalion answered and surrendered his weapons. With a motion, he encourages his companions to do likewise. The glance he shot at the guard however, clearly showed that he would not be amused if his staff and dagger mysteriously went 'missing'.

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 02:39 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 1 2005, 06:36 PM)

"My weapon? Why should I surrender it? I have no ill will for your "lord", as I have never met him before."

"At ease," Arynel said, placing a hand on Isidor's chest, "We aren't here to cause trouble, give him your weapon."

"I myself am unarmed," the Breton said to the guard.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 02:40 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jul 1 2005, 08:35 PM)

Loranna grins and murmurs "Father Winter," before laughing and turning around to embrace Slyvos.

"I hear you had an adventure," she says, noting the new mace at Slyvos's side. "Hello; this is new ..."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jul 2 2005, 02:41 AM

He pulls the mace out fully, looking at it and grinning.

'got it off of a molag bal worshipper... who was also a necromancer... guess what weapon this is?'

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 02:44 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 08:39 PM)

"At ease," Arynel said, placing a hand on Isidor's chest, "We aren't here to cause trouble, give him your weapon."

"I myself am unarmed," the Breton said to the guard.

"Very well, Arynel. You are wise. I just resent this guard's implications." He tossed the axe to the ground. "Now take us to the lord."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 02:45 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 08:39 PM)

"At ease," Arynel said, placing a hand on Isidor's chest, "We aren't here to cause trouble, give him your weapon."

"I myself am unarmed," the Breton said to the guard.

The guard mutters something about stupid Nords under his breath, but says "All right; I'll take you to the Lord." He escorts the party up to the castle, various slaves watching the newcomers as they go.

Lord Dres Bradas meets the party in the main hall of his castle, a notably severe-looking room to match the severe-looking expression on the face of its lord. Narrow features and smouldering eyes inspect the party with vague distain.

"Greetings; I am Dres Bradas, Oathman of House Dres," he introduces himself. "I do not believe we have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I am told you come seeking information on ... trained werebeasts. Might I enquire as to who you are and who you serve, and why you seek this information?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 02:46 AM

Falco noticed Shaka walk by. He was speaking with someone he didn't know. " Shaka my good man. sit drink and be merry. I was just conversing the story of our recent encounter with bandits to these fair lasses."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 02:48 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jul 1 2005, 08:41 PM)

He pulls the mace out fully, looking at it and grinning.

'got it off of a molag bal worshipper... who was also a necromancer... guess what weapon this is?'

Loranna's eyes widen slightly. "You're joking; this isn't that mace, is it?" she asks, looking at the weapon again. "What happened? Tell me."

Slyvos may notice a vague shape in the mirror in the room.

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 02:49 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 08:46 PM)

Shaka waved and said, "I don't want to cramp your style, Falco. Just make sure the people have a good time tonight and leave with the same amount of gold they arrived with, if you catch my drift."

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 02:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 06:45 PM)

Arynel spoke to Bradas.

“Our interest is in werebeasts, yes,” the Breton began, “we will provide you with as much information as possible, but due to the nature of our business we may have to leave certain parties unnamed. You understand, of course.”

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jul 2 2005, 02:52 AM

He nods, and smiles.

'yes, it's the mace of Molag Bal... you see I was approached by two ghosts, rather young ones, that had lost their mother. I agreed the help them out and well, I wandered into the cave of that Bal worshipper. Turns out he was collecting souls for that blasted daedra, and the mother's soul was amongst it. He figured out who I used to be, and well, fight insued, and I melted him a bit, I broke the soul holding receptacle, and Molag was more angry with his follower then with me... took him away he did. The ghosts said they'd help us however they could in thanks...'

He looked to the mirror, tilting his head.

'strange...'

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 02:53 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 04:49 PM)

Shaka waved and said, "I don't want to cramp your style, Falco. Just make sure the people have a good time tonight and leave with the same amount of gold they arrived with, if you catch my drift."

"What you don't trust me?" It was quite obvious to Shaka that Falco's small pouch of gold was significantly heavier than when the celebrations began. He truned to the maidens, "Now who wants to hear of the time I arm-wrestled Vivec.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 02:54 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 08:51 PM)

Lord Bradas's lips curl into a frown, and he looks over at Reichi, evidentally expecting to be told the information promised.

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 02:56 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 08:51 PM)

Isidor looked at the Breton with great adoration. He spoke quite eloquently, but a firceness radiated from his eyes. "As you may or may not know, there was an attack on Ald Raathim, and the assialiants were werewolves."

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 02:58 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 08:54 PM)

Lord Bradas's lips curl into a frown, and he looks over at Reichi, evidentally expecting to be told the information promised.

Reichi was silent, before he realized he was susposed to speak. He opened his mouth to but was cut off by Isidor. "Moron..." Reichi muttered under his breath. He began to try to think of a way to salvage the situation should Bradas react unfavorably.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 02:59 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jul 1 2005, 08:52 PM)

Loranna was about to comment when she notices the oddity in the mirror herself. "Hmm? Is it Jazbet again?" she asks.

A figure gradually takes shape in the mirror - a young Nord Slyvos will recognize. He tries to step through the mirror but appears unable, and frowns in frustration. He then apparently tries to yell to Slyvos and Loranna.

Your wards are too strong; I can't cross over, he says. Don't have the strength ...

His figure fades a little and he looks worried. Ut-oh ... hero, the evil spirit hovers around a werewolf; his fellows call him Rasar. They were near recently but are not right now ...

His figure fades even more. I can say no more; may Kyne and Mara watch over you both, and thank you again ...

Posted by: Dumbkid Jul 2 2005, 03:01 AM

The bards and minstrels at Ald Raathim continued the song.

End now your present squabbles
Time for merriment is now at hand
Gather round each at the waters
Time to drink to kin and land

Bring not with you any troubles
Your worries all set aside
On the shores of grand Ald Raathim
Join us for the celebrant time

Gather round for song and music
Dance and eats and joy abound
On the beach men mer and betmer
We’ll be merry ‘til the Magnus goes down

Posted by: Nalion Jul 2 2005, 03:02 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 2 2005, 02:56 AM)

Nalion drew an audible breath and shortly raised an eyebrow. It was out, though, so they would better move onwards with their query.
"Our interest lies in aquiring information on the whereabouts of these werewolves or how they can be contacted."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 03:07 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 09:02 PM)

Nalion drew an audible breath and shortly raised an eyebrow. It was out, though, so they would better move on.
"Our interest lies in aquiring information on the whereabouts of these werewolves or how they can be contacted."

"Oh," Bradas says, his expression becoming long-suffering, "the Nord who thought she was Azura sent you, I see ..." He sighs. "It's not my fault that she took in that fool slave when I'd sent the hounds to fetch him; if she had the sense to stay out of affairs that don't concern her whatever damage she suffered would never have happened."

"I suppose she wants her money back while you're here," he mutters. "Would serve her ritght to have me keep it ... so she wants to talk to the wolves, eh? Going to complain about her fine little lands scuffed up? Or are they the next target in her campaign to destroy our House's traditions?"

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 03:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 07:07 PM)

"Oh," Bradas says, his expression becoming long-suffering, "the Nord who thought she was Azura sent you, I see ..." He sighs. "It's not my fault that she took in that fool slave when I'd sent the hounds to fetch him; if she had the sense to stay out of affairs that don't concern her whatever damage she suffered would never have happened."

"I suppose she wants her money back while you're here," he mutters. "Would serve her gith to have me keep it ... so she wants to talk to the wolves, eh? Going to complain about her fine little lands scuffed up? Or are they the next target in her campaign to destroy our House's traditions?"

Arynel leaned in close.

“If I may be frank,” the Breton said, “Loranna is a fool, but even a fool may have more mindful acquaintances. We wish only to straighten a few things out, and would most appreciate avoiding trouble

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 03:11 AM

"We wish to talk to a certain one," Reichi replied. "About personal matters. His name is Seres. Thats all, we have nothing against them collectively."

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 03:12 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 09:11 PM)

"We wish to talk to a certain one," Reichi replied. "About personal matters. His name is Seres. Thats all, we have nothing against them collectively."

"Yes. Where is Seres?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 03:15 AM

Whilst the majority of the populace was in the celebration outside Falco slipped inside the great Hall. Falco brought with him a large sack. He quietly began looting the place. Most thieves chosoe to make a rather large mess and steal everything of value he instead followed a different method. He took only one object per shelf or surface. This way an entire room wouldn't be stripped of valuables. It could take days for people to notice anything missing. He proceeded to loot all but the upper chamberss as there were a few servants there. The local pawnshop owner was at the celebrations so he would have to stash the valuables. He hid them in a suit of bonemold armor. He then slipped back into the festifities. He hadn't been gone more than half an hour.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jul 2 2005, 03:17 AM

The song at the party continued.

Music food and revelry
We have it all with us today
Here along the waters edge
We gather round and keep well fed

The slaughterfish we keep at bay
The Dreugh also we scatter
So we can have a party here
With camaraderie and glamour

So come now everyone
Come down to the party
The festive eats are out about
Take your fill and then some

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 03:20 AM

OOC: I'll be gone a few hours

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 03:21 AM

"Hmph; she is a fool," Bradas muttered. "I'm going to have to discipline that slave even more than usual because of her meddling; I don't need the aggrevation."

"I don't know any of the wolves by name," he says to Reichi. "If you really want to talk to them, they have ways to reach them in Blacklight and Tear. Leave a carving of a wolf's head with at least fify septims and a note with your name and place of meeting in the common room of the Morag Tong's guildhouse; they'll contact you on their own."

"Now, if there is no further business ..."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jul 2 2005, 03:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 07:59 PM)

He smiles a bit, sighing.

'well, there comes our help I was promised. hehe, sometimes being helpful does work out well for both parties...'

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 03:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 09:21 PM)

"Thank you, Lord Bradas. We will be on our way, now." Isidor turned to the door andd walked out.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 03:25 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 09:15 PM)

Unfortunately for Falco, Dram, Loranna's best guard, made a point of trying to keep an eye on the new faces in Ald Raathim. He noticed Falco slipping off into the Main Hall and raised his eyebrows.

Stealth was more the providence of thieves than guards but Dram knew invisibility; he saw Falco slip off before having a chance to stop him, but noted the large sack.

Back at the party, Dram makes his way to Falco, looking like he wishes to .. .talk.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 03:28 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Jul 1 2005, 09:22 PM)

He smiles a bit, sighing.

'well, there comes our help I was promised. hehe, sometimes being helpful does work out well for both parties...'

"Yes, yes it does," Loranna says, leaning on Slyvos.

"Shaka is arranging a party for tonight, but I'd like a bit of time with you first," she says. "Your mace is so long and hard ..."

Posted by: Nalion Jul 2 2005, 03:28 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 2 2005, 03:21 AM)

"We offer our thanks and will not continue to steal your time, Serjo save for one small issue.", Nalion answered.

"We could lift you of the trouble of having to discipline a slave seeking his freedom. The taste of freedom is hard to remove once a tongue has finally licked it and the word will spread when no guard will listen. You already received an amount of money to compensate your loss. We could take the slave and save you the trouble of having to deal with slaves dreaming of their freedom."

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 03:28 AM

“There is one more thing,” Arynel interjected.

“I have heard that slave is a terrible worker,” the Breton said, “In fact, I have reason to believe he plans an insurrection. You would perhaps think to kill him outright for this, but I urge you to restrain, I believe he has associates. I would suggest you leave him to us, it will do you good to be rid of him, as production will increase most assuredly with his absence.”

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Jul 2 2005, 03:30 AM

Slyvos grinned, and nodded once more, giving Loranna a small kiss.

'now that's by far the most 'dangerous' thing I've heard since I left for Dagon Fel...'

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 03:32 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 09:28 PM)

"This is true, Arynel. He is an instigator."

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

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 09:28 PM)

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 09:28 PM)

"You know," Bradas sighs, "it's easier to deal with abolitionists when they just come out and admit they don't like it when Dunmer try to hold onto some semblance of their culture and traditions."

"At this point, it probably would be easier to just train a new slave anyway," he mutters. "Very well; you may tell the Nord that if I lose any more slaves because of her foolishness that it will take more than a little extra gold to settle the matter; I will bring it up to the Council. Now, if that is all, I have to arrange for a new slave to be purchased."

He turns and tells the guard "Let R'shasha go with them; if the other slaves get ideas deal with them ..."

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 03:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 09:38 PM)

"Thank you, Dunmer. We will leave now, lest we put into shackels and sold into slavery." Isidor walked to the door.

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 03:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 07:38 PM)

"You know," Bradas sighs, "it's easier to deal with abolitionists when they just come out and admit they don't like it when Dunmer try to hold onto some semblance of their culture and traditions."

Arynel smiled.

"Make no mistake, Bradas," the Breton said, "I am no abolitionist, my interest is in this one in paticular, I am on no quest to end traditional Dunmer practices."

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 03:43 AM

"Cool it, he still has our weapons," Reichi cautioned to Isidor. Reichi nodded to Bradas. "Thank you for your time sir, we shall depart now," he said with his most polite expression and headed for the door. "To Blacklight then..." he muttered.

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 03:44 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 09:43 PM)

"I'll fight him with my damn hands. But now is not the time, let us go."

Posted by: Arynel Jul 2 2005, 03:46 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 1 2005, 07:44 PM)

"I'll fight him with my damn hands. But now is not the time, let us go."

Arynel glanced at Isidor.

"When you can hold Oblivion in your palms," the Breton stated, "Your very words will be enough to do the job."

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 03:47 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Jul 1 2005, 09:46 PM)

Arynel glanced at Isidor.

"When you can hold Oblivion in your palms," the Breton stated, "Your very words will be enough to do the job."

"You are wise, Breton."

Posted by: Nalion Jul 2 2005, 03:47 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 2 2005, 03:38 AM)

"Again, we offer our thanks, Serjo Dres Bradas." Nalion said, indicating a bow, not choosing to elaborate on some thoughts that were running through his head. He also made a note to remind Isidor at some time, that nobles, even minor ones could cause more troubles when they are insulted than it was worth dealing with.

Nalion turned on his heels and left the estate with the others.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 03:50 AM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Jul 1 2005, 09:47 PM)

The guard escorts the party out, takign them to a small slave shack. Inside, the miserable R'shasha rests, a gash on his arm showing that his capture was not entirely painless.

"Get up," the guard orders. "Yer're being let go."

R'shasha blinks, uncomprehending until his slave shackles are undone. Then, his expression is shocked, yet jubiliant ...

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 03:54 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 09:50 PM)

Isidor lifts up the Khajiit and brushes off him off. "Let's go, friend."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 04:05 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 1 2005, 09:54 PM)

Isidor lifts up the Khajiit and brushes off him off. "Let's go, friend."

R'shasha asks "Did Lady from Ald Raathim send you? Oh, R'shasha is so happy!"

"Keep it down," the gurad growls. "Just walk out with these folk and don't even try to talk to the others, you hear? You're all being told to leave our lands, stat."

The party's weaponsa are brought back by other guards and handed over with a palpable feeling of 'Go Away' ness.

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 04:06 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 09:25 PM)

Back at the party, Dram makes his way to Falco, looking like he wishes to .. .talk.

Shaka saw the head of the Watch steering for Falco and sighed. He should have known that rogue would pull something. Excusing himself to Solange, he ran to intercept Dram.

"I think I can guess what Falco was trying to pull, Dram. He drives us bonkers sometimes, but he's still a volunteer in the Lady's service. Any way we can work this out and still teach him a lesson?"

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 04:07 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 1 2005, 10:06 PM)

Dram glances at Shaka. "I've got this handled," he says. "The Lady will decide for herself what to do about him."

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 04:10 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 10:05 PM)

Isidor glared at the guard, and contemplated smacking him with his axe, but resisted the urge. Turning to the mages, "How do we get to Tear?"

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 04:11 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 10:07 PM)

Dram glances at Shaka. "I've got this handled," he says. "The Lady will decide for herself what to do about him."

"Fair enough," shrugged the battlemage. Can't say I didn't try, rogue, he thought to himself. He certainly wasn't going to warn Falco at this point.

Solange walked up and slipped her arm through Shaka's. They could both only watch the fireworks now, figuratively speaking.

Posted by: w0nders Jul 2 2005, 04:12 AM

Dante, somewhere-

Dante managed to roll onto his stomach, holding himself up with one arm as to not fall face first into the dirt. He couldn’t hear anything…was this damn creature even moving? He hoped not, he didn’t want to think something could move that silently with such ornate armour. He looked up, and noticed two stained silver boots…glistening in the light.

“ Ah…sh-“ He began, before having one of the boots connect with his chin, sending him somersaulting backwards into the air, landing on his stomach yet again. Dirt was sticking to his face now, sweat was holding it there, sweat that had decided that Dante’s eye would be a nice place to hide. Dante let out a frustrated groan; blinking his eye quickly…eventually, painless vision was restored.

Dante let out a relieved sigh, before launching a shrill scream as we hoisted into the air by his broken arm and brought to eye level with the vampire he was fighting. The vampire hissed loudly, before throwing Dante to the floor again, bringing up large clouds of dirt. Dante sat up, and waited for the vampire’s next move, he had a fist clenched ready…and moments later, he struck.

There was a loud clanging noise and Dante screamed again, his fist locking into an unfamiliar, painful position. He began to shuffle backwards, Dante was breathing heavily now, small whimpers making their way in between desperate gasps for air. Eventually he managed to stand, and shook his hand back into a natural position again, he clenched it.

The vampire stepped into Dante’s view, and reached out with one hand, tightly bound in multiple types of cloth. Dante had found his time to strike, he launched forward, knocking the vampires hand downwards with his scaled gauntlet, cutting it in many places, he the proceeded to launch his fist directly into the center of the vampire’s face, resulting in a large hiss and the creature launching backwards again, out of Dante’s vision, it was beginning to get foggy.

“I will not die tonight…” He muttered to himself, limping forward again, in an attempt to recover his sword.

“Not tonight.”

Posted by: Aki Jul 2 2005, 04:16 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 1 2005, 10:10 PM)

Isidor glared at the guard, and contemplated smacking him with his axe, but resisted the urge. Turning to the mages, "How do we get to Tear?"

"Blacklight is closer," Reichi said. "We should go there, and hope they have some Wolf head carvings for sale." Reichi grumbled a brief curse, as nice a marking a carving made, they were a inconvience to find for the would-be employer.

Posted by: Tri Jul 2 2005, 04:26 AM

The pale figure wandered still.

Blacklight, he thought, might make an interesting destination...or Tear...

Elsewhere, Marein Nightscar was learning enchanting magic at an alarming pace. His roguish sense of humor, however, was causing many things to blow up.

Shai had slipped away from the group months ago, only days after Hogithum. She remained in meditation, even stasis.

Posted by: Stargazey Jul 2 2005, 04:31 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Jul 1 2005, 10:16 PM)

"Very well."

Posted by: Nalion Jul 2 2005, 04:56 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Jul 2 2005, 04:31 AM)

"Very well."

"I agree, we know the way to Blacklight already. No need to get needlessly lost on the road to a different location." Nalion remarked, then took the route towards the city of Blacklight, which the group reached after some hours of travel. After that, the group began to look for a shopkeeper who would craft them the required "accessoire".

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 05:20 AM

Dram approached Falco. He asked what Falco had been doing in the past 45 minutes. Falco grew nervous but didn't let it show. "Why I have been out here the whole time good sir." When Dram said he saw Falco enter the manor with a large sack Falco put his hands up, " Alright good man alright. I entered there for a raid on the kitchens. You see I saw quite a lot of sweets inside, and I have a taste for sweets. I entered with the sack. I loaded them all into the sack. I din't eat them on the spot because I thought a servant might come through the kitchen. So I took them into a closet munched them placed the burlap sack in the kitchen and went back out here. I know I shouldn't have, I was a bt of a glutton. Here's 50 gold it should more than cover the price of the food I ate." Falco just hoped Dram would buy the story...

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 06:42 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 1 2005, 11:20 PM)

Dram's face remains impassive during Falco's speech; he does not move to take Falco's gold.

"I think," he says, "that you should speak to the Lady, now. One of my men is already telling her of what we saw. I think she will have something to say to you."

He puts a hand on Falco's shoulder. "This way serjo," he says.

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 06:44 AM

Falco followed the man to Loranna. Falco knew one thing however. They wouldn't find the loot. Thus his stealing of food from the kitchens story might hold up.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 06:51 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 2 2005, 12:44 AM)

Falco followed the man to Loranna. Falco knew one thing however. They wouldn't find the loot. Thus his stealing of food from the kitchens story might hold up.

Loranna waits for Falco in the study; she has changed to a more relaxed outfit for the night, but her face is unsmiling.

"My Lady, this Argonian was seen stealing through the castle with a sack of loot on his shoulders," Dram says. "I did a quick check and noticed several items which were missing from the shelves in the main hall."

Loranna turns her unsmiling face to Falco. "Did you steal from us?" she asks him, watching him closely.

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 06:57 AM

Falco had been through this routine a thousand times with a thousand nobles.
"As a matter of fact I did M'Lady. I took a large sack. I went through the kitchens and took a large portion of sweets. I have quite a sweet tooth you see. However I don't believe anyone ever actuall saw me steal anything from the main hall. Thus you have no actual poof that it was myself who stole any items from your shelf. It could very well have been another theif. I have offered to compensate you 2 times the value of the food I ate however."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 07:03 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 2 2005, 12:57 AM)

Loranna rolls her eyes. "Then you'd not mind showing us where the sack you had is, or checking your room for the missing items," she says. "Or the fact that I'm not really believing your story even if the items don't turn up."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 07:06 AM

"Most certainly M'Lady" He led the two to the kitchens where he pointed to a large pile of burlap sacks. "I tossed it on here. M'Lady. You can search my room for the items in question if you wish."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 07:19 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 2 2005, 01:06 AM)

"Most certainly M'Lady" He led the two to the kitchens where he pointed to a large pile of burlap sacks. "I tossed it on here. M'Lady. You can search my room for the items in question if you wish."

Loranna nods and Dram heads off. Loranna looks to Falco with a sober expression.

"I'll be blunt with you - I'm not terribly happy to hear about this," she says. "Between you and the werewolves, my castle is feeling more and more like a sieve every night; this does not sit well with me at all."

"I'm going to have Dram search the rest of the castle over the next few days; I would greatly appreciate it if you did not leave Ald Raathim during that time," she continues. "In fact, whether you are found guilty or innocent of this matter, I have a job I would ask of you, one I'd like you to get to work on tomorrow."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 07:21 AM

Falco replied " Certainly Ma'am I would be happy to perform any task for this most gracious of hosts."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 07:27 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 2 2005, 01:21 AM)

Falco replied " Certainly Ma'am I would be happy to perform any task for this most gracious of hosts."

"You snuck into the castle just a night after I'd had the guards doubled because of the werewolf attack," Loranna says soberly. "I could use someone with talent like that to pinpoint what other weaknesses the castle has, and field test any new measures to compensate for them."

"And yes, you'll have eyes on you the whole time and I'll be double-checking the silverwear," she continues. "Filching from my larder on the first night is a little gauche you know, especially when there's a party going on already."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 07:35 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 1 2005, 09:27 PM)

"Yes ma'am. But I will require compensation for this work. The first thing I noticed was that the windows large enough to get through are all unguarded. Remeber windows are a theif's best friend."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 2 2005, 01:35 AM)

"Yes ma'am. But I will require compensation for this work. The first thing I noticed was that the windows large enough to get through are all unguarded. Remeber windows are a theif's best friend."

"You'll be paid," Loranna promises. "If someone's working for me they get paid."

Dram returns; Loranna looks to him but he shakes his head. "Right; have the castle searched please," she asks Dram. "And serjo Falco will be working with you to develop better security for the castle."

Dram nods. "As m'Lady wishes; perhaps we can start with examining all the places where someone could reasonably hide in the castle."

Loranna looks back to Falco. "So long as this remains an isolated incident and you work well with Dram, I think we can let tonight slide. Please, don't make me regret my decision, Falco dear."

Posted by: Argonians rule Jul 2 2005, 07:46 AM

Falco urned and left. He had a few departing words, " Yes M'Lady. Or may I call you Loranna Dear." He left sniggering to himself.

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 07:52 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Jul 2 2005, 01:46 AM)

Falco urned and left. He had a few departing words, " Yes M'Lady. Or may I call you Loranna Dear." He left sniggering to himself.

Dram watches Falco go, and turns to look at Loranna, an eyebrow raised.

" ..." Loranna closes her eyes and lets out a frustrated breath. "Inform the guards about Serjo Falco's position as provisional security consultant," she says. "Also tell them that if he's caught stealing from anyone again in Ald Raathim to have him shipped to Summerset Isle or High Rock or someplace equally remote."

"As m'Lady wishes," Dram says, bowing and heading out. Loranna sighs and shakes her head, hearing the sounds of the party outside; it now took an effort to find the energy to go out and join it ...

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 12:42 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 2 2005, 01:52 AM)

At the party, the torches held back the night while the moons hung majestically over the bay. Shaka talked to a guard before returning to Solange.

"What was that all about?" she asked him.

"Falco overreached himself. Damn it, doesn't he realize that he's playing in the big arena now, not a one-horse town like Dagon Fel?" Shaka brooded for a moment. "I hope we don't regret taking him on. This compulsion to steal, even from allies, isn't funny."

Changing the subject, he asked Solange who her parents had been.

"They're both gone now. My mother was born in Vvardenfell, and my father was an Imperial who served in the Legion and, like many others, grew to like this land well enough to stay after his service was up." She was silent for a moment, remembering. "We were untouched by Lord Raithmat's whims, for the most part, but I used to hear horror stories from my parents about his reign."

"Let's set that aside for tonight," Shaka answered somberly.

"I think people are really enjoying this cookout, Shaka. Though .... tell me that isn't skinny-dipping going on at the beach," she smiled wryly.

"Just honoring Dibella," he said.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jul 2 2005, 08:17 PM

In the sands by the shore of Ald Raathim a Khajiit was dancing, his leaps like a grasshopper and his frolicking like a gentle wind.

Khaj-Rawlith dance and spin and sing
Khaj-Rawlith dance on sand and rain
Khaj-Rawlith dance and see the sky
Khajiit he is and Khajiit is I

Posted by: Tratarax Jul 2 2005, 08:58 PM

Over at the food-laden picnic tables farther in on the sandy beach, Varvyn Othrelas sits down to eat and observe the festivities. He keeps his distance from the others attending the party, his face mostly hidden by the hood of his cloak and plentiful shadows. Sometimes the light catches something reflective and green at his right hip, possibly a weapon made of glass.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jul 2 2005, 09:03 PM

QUOTE(Tratarax @ Jul 2 2005, 02:58 PM)

A soft paw with claws retracted taps Varvyn Othrelas on the shoulder, and the Khajiit speaks, saying, “Come and dance and sing, the sun is bright and the sand is warm.”

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 09:03 PM

QUOTE(Tratarax @ Jul 2 2005, 02:58 PM)

Shaka glanced over at the guest who didn't seem to fit in with the locals, who were laughing, passing dishes to each other from home, and commenting on the roast guar and fish. There were others who had personal weapons, no doubt, but why had this one worn a hood during a warm summer night, and into the morning?

Posted by: Tratarax Jul 2 2005, 09:17 PM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jul 2 2005, 02:03 PM)

A soft paw with claws retracted taps Varvyn Othrelas on the shoulder, and the Khajiit speaks, saying, “Come and dance and sing, the sun is bright and the sand is warm.”

Varvyn jumped to the side, his right hand on the glass dagger at his waist, and yelled, "Get your filthy hands of me, slave!". In the commotion his hood had fallen back, revealing his black hair over his ash-colored skin and his red eyes. He had a long curved scar running from his right eye down to his chin.

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 09:21 PM

QUOTE(Tratarax @ Jul 2 2005, 03:17 PM)

Damn, thought Shaka. He ran over to the commotion.

"Steady, friend," said Shaka, eying the glass dagger carefully. "No one's a slave in these lands. Are you a refugee, that you don't know that yet?" Would he have to ready a spell for this dunmer?

Posted by: Dumbkid Jul 2 2005, 09:21 PM

QUOTE(Tratarax @ Jul 2 2005, 03:17 PM)

The Khajiit leaped straight over Varvyn’s head, twirling round in mid air so that he landed face to face with the Dunmer.

“Khaj-Rawlith no slave,” the Khajiit said, “Khaj-Rawlith sing and dance and play, Khaj-Rawlith dance with flaming torches.”

Posted by: Tratarax Jul 2 2005, 09:39 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 2 2005, 02:21 PM)

Damn, thought Shaka. I knew we should have gotten some guards for this party. That's what I get for being too trusting. He ran over to the commotion.

"Steady, friend," said Shaka, eying the glass dagger carefully. "No one's a slave in these lands. Are you a refugee, that you don't know that yet?" Would he have to ready a spell for this dunmer?

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jul 2 2005, 02:21 PM)

"I'm not your friend, beast.", Varvyn said. He glared at Shaka and the Khajiit, and then suddenly turned and walked away, as if they didn't exist. "Outlanders think they run this place.", he muttered to himself as he replaced his hood.

Posted by: Dumbkid Jul 2 2005, 09:44 PM

QUOTE(Tratarax @ Jul 2 2005, 03:39 PM)

“Var var var,” the Khajiit said, while skipping off the other way, “Khaj-Rawlith know ta'agra'iss, Khaj-Rawlith see ja-Kha'jay.”

The Khajiit continued mumbling to himself and danced off and out of sight.

Posted by: syronj Jul 2 2005, 09:55 PM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Jul 2 2005, 03:44 PM)

Shaka walked back to Solange. "Sorry you had to see that," he said. He tried to puzzle out the words. I know the Words of the People, I see the Lunar Lattice?

Solange said, "It's all right. I've been around the dunmer all my life. You'd be surprised how many of them keep from lashing out at us n'wah through sheer will."

Posted by: Loranna Jul 2 2005, 10:38 PM

QUOTE(Tratarax @ Jul 2 2005, 03:39 PM)

Ald Raathim's guards were not in the best of moods; the werewolves had gotten into the castle and struck the Lady herself just the other night, and word was spreading among the guards that an Argonian had kipped into the castle during this party and stolen several things, right under their noses. Dram, the senior guard under Loranna, was quietly displeased and the other guards knew things were going to get tougher for them come the morning.

The altercation between the Argonain, Khajiit, and Dunmer had the guards watching the party with their hearts in their throats, fearful of what would happen if matters got out of hand. Fortunately, the altercation hadn't gone very far; still, the guards keep an eye on the three people who were involved, and word is sent back to Dram.

Dram closed his eyes; tonight had proven to be a workout for his skills as a guard. He might want to talk to his Lady about these unexpected celebrations; the planned parties have enough headaches as it is. Ah well, ever since he started working for Lord Jazbet he had known that life would be interesting.

Eventually, though, the party came to an end; tired revelers remembered they had work to do come the morning and drifted off. Some people cleaned up the beach, the Lady of Daruhn spoke with Dram, and when the beach was finally quiet, she stole off for a swim, diving deep to go explore the shipwrecks at the bottom of the bay.

Dawn would come all too soon, and with it new challenges and new events.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 04:39 AM

Swimming was a most refreshing excersice.

Nords, unlike Argonains, did not have the ability to breathe underwater naturally, but water breathing was one ability Loranna habitually included in the array of potion-granted powers. Ever since her brief glimpses of what lay beneath Stormhold, she had made sure that she would have the ability to explore underwater whenever she liked - and even if she hadn't liked swimming much before meeting Jazbet, the irrepresable Khajiit was an eloquent argument for taking up the hobby.

She could grant herself swift swim as well, or use levitation to dart through the water like a slaughterfish, but she chose not to; it was more fun swimming under her own power - better for her health too. She kept a potion of swift swim on hand just in case it was needed, and for now, she propelled herself through the water through her own muscle power. She was a decent enough swimmer in any event.

There had been shipwrecks in Ald Raathim's bay even before the Azurite invasion; Jazbet had mentioned them, spoke a bit to her of what he'd found in them. Loranna had wanted to explore those wrecks but during the Blue Dawn she was always busy - busy training, busy fighting to save herself and her friends, busy running from enemies, busy running to enemies ... Now the older ships lay with the vessels of the destroyed servants of Azura, turning what might once have been a quiet, interesting little spot to explore into a grim reminder that Ald Raathim was no longer the sleepy domain it once was.

The wrecks had been looted already but Loranna swam through them for a while just the same, observing and reflecting. This was a part of her land and its history, and to a lesser extent her own history as well. The wrecks were quiet, sad, mere shells of what they once were, but there was a certain beauty in them - a sense of mystery, of details waiting to be seen.

Loranna swam through the wrecks, and when she had her fill of ship corpses, she swam to the mangroves, sliding between the submerged trunks and noting with delight just how much was there to see. Algae, fish of various breeds - and none being the bothersome slaughterfish, floating mangrove seedlings looking like green twigs in the water. She climbed out of the water to explore the leaves of the trees, being careful not to distrub the sleeping birds in the limbs; one sturdy limb served as her perch for a short while, and she looked over to the castle, her night-eye letting her make out her home in the dark.

Loranna smiled; she felt like she was in the herb garden, surrounded by sensations both hearty and delicate, and magic in whatever she touched. Everything was crystal clear; colors, scents, tactile sensation ... She felt something stirring in her breast, pride for her home and joy at being part of this place; the ghost Raithmat and the werewolves and the Argonian who would filch from her larder before knowing her a day didn't seem so overwhelming out here. Ald Raathim was strong; it survived the Azurites, it would survive these too.

From her perch, she saw several more mangrove seedlings floating in the water, and in her current state of mind Lord Minsero's words came back to her: I do not know what direction Ald Raathim will take, because I do not think you yourself know it yet and the thought appeared crystal clear in her mind.

We're strong and energetic, but we're still in many ways a seedling. Our direction is obvious; I've already been going in that direction. I don't need to worry about finding our direction, just in helping us get there.

She laughed and pushed off her perch, splashing into the water and grabbing some of the seedlings. Her eyes watered and she blinked, a bit of silvery tears getting on the seedlings, and she laughed again.

Home is like beauty; you keep it always in your heart, she giggled, casting a chameleon spell on herself to cover her flying return to the castle. She stepped into her window and dried off, then stole a few hours sleep, holding the seedlings in her hands as she snuggled with Slyvos.

===

Morning came and with it various duties; Loranna tended to what she had to, inspecting her domain to see how the land divisions were sitting with her people.

Posted by: syronj Today, 05:07 AM

Shaka walked Solange back to her home before returning to the beach for the cleanup. He hugged Solange goodnight, but felt a little sad at the realization that there might not be the spark between them that he had expected and remembered from Ahanassi long ago.

Shaka snuffed out the last of the torches on the beach and walked back to the castle with them bundled against his shoulder. The remains of the roast guar had already been sent off to a temple, for a family in need. He paused for a moment to study the moons hanging serenely over the bay.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 3 2005, 10:39 PM)

===

Morning came and with it various duties; Loranna tended to what she had to, inspecting her domain to see how the land divisions were sitting with her people.

Shaka slept in and, when he rose, again left the Dragonbone Cuirass in his armoire. A tunic and glass greaves would be sufficient this day. He ate a late breakfast of smoked fish and black bread before shouldering the Spear of Bitter Mercy and, on impulse, climbing to the castle's battlements. As Shaka watched the city, he reflected on the adventurers pursuing the leads on the werewolf mercenaries.

Street vendors sang below, while birds wheeled over the harbor. Shaka found himself thinking of Dres Vendama and, absurdly, hoping that whatever happened to Ald Raathim, her life would go on. Of course Bodrom Mora was far enough away from all this, in any event . . . .

What gutter had that dunmer crawled out of last night? He didn't seem to fit with the rest of the refugees, let alone the locals. Shaka thought grimly about last night's squabble. He had let himself get too soft, forgetting that he was no Imperial in the end - - only another lizard.

He thought he could see the Lady and a small entourage from the battlements. Shaka loped back down the stone stairs.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:15 AM

By the time Shaka has reached Loranna, she is alone, walking from the town back to the castle on sandaled feet. She is clad in a shirt and skirt, both of blue with gold trim and embroidered designs of stars and moons.

"Ah, hello Shaka," she says, smiling at the Argonian. "Everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves last night; thank you for organizing that party."

Posted by: syronj Today, 05:24 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 3 2005, 11:15 PM)

He took in her garb and the extraordinary blue eyes and silver tears. Slyvos is a lucky man, he thought. Shaka still thought of Slyvos in terms of a Khajiit, but he had heard something from one of the group last night to the effect that his soul was ancient. It was still all above his head, but luckily the common people of Ald Raathim didn't know this. Shaka had no intention of speaking on it.

He nodded. "My pleasure, Dres Loranna. I hope you had the chance to get out of the castle last night and see some of it, though from all accounts you and Dram had your hands full with a certain rogue."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:38 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 3 2005, 11:24 PM)

"I had a chance to get out for a bit, yes," Loranna says, smiling a strange little smile. "And yeah, we had a bit of a situation, but it's handled now - I think. Time will tell."

"Did you have much opportunity to get to know Falco while in Dagon Fel?" she asks Shaka.

Posted by: syronj Today, 05:43 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 3 2005, 11:38 PM)

Shaka answered honestly: "Not really. Falco has a silver tongue, like all rogues. I think he told the truth about his upbringing -- parents sold into slavery because of gambling debts. Apparently Falco's family was comfortable before that, though, which accounts for his expensive tastes and feeling of entitlement."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:48 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 3 2005, 11:43 PM)

That would explain the attitude, Loranna thinks to herself. Hmm; I'll have to keep that in mind.

"A sad fate," Loranna says. "So many of us seem to have painful memories in our childhood."

She sighs. "Anything about him that struck you?"

Posted by: syronj Today, 05:54 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 3 2005, 11:48 PM)

Shaka leaned the sheathed Spear against a castle wall. "His red clothes are a little too flashy for me. The way he's always trying to impress the ladies .... It's like he's trying too hard.

My lady, I don't think he is evil, exactly, but there's something of the brat about him. I don't know how far he can be trusted when it seems that he's only looking out for himself. I haven't seen him this morning, but I assume he's not in the dungeon . ..."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:56 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 3 2005, 11:54 PM)

A shadow falls across Loranna's face and her eyes narrow. " ... No, he's not," she says. "Come to think of it, I really ought to refurbish the old dungeons ..."

Posted by: syronj Today, 06:06 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 3 2005, 11:56 PM)

A shadow falls across Loranna's face and her eyes narrow. " ... No, he's not," she says. "Come to think of it, I really ought to refurbish the old dungeons ..."

Shaka was starting to almost feel sorry for the rogue. "One thing I just remembered, my lady, is that when we killed a group of bandits, Falco came up with a fairly good idea to spare the last survivor -- he had him drag a guar from our hunt back to town. At least he doesn't believe in killing prisoners who beg for quarter." Unlike a certain berserk Nord, Shaka thought; but Isidor seemed like a sound man overall.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:10 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 4 2005, 12:06 AM)

"Oh?" Loranna asks, looking a tiny bit distracted.

"I see," she says, returning to normal. "Well, that's kind of clever." She gives a wan smile.

"If you don't mind keep an eye on him while he's here in town," she asks Shaka. "I've taken him on as a security consultant, and I'm hoping he doesn't make me regret the decision."

Posted by: syronj Today, 06:13 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Jul 4 2005, 12:10 AM)

"Of course, Dres Loranna," said Shaka. "The poacher turned gamekeeper. . . . I see."

A morning that had dawned brightly was certainly proving complicated.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:15 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Jul 4 2005, 12:13 AM)

"Of course, Dres Loranna," said Shaka. "The poacher turned gamekeeper. . . . I see."

A morning that had dawned brightly was certainly proving complicated.

"One way of putting it," Loranna says with a smile. "There have been stranger cases of turnabouts though; I know one or two myself."

The two head back into the castle, discussing minor things from there.

Posted by: Nalion Today, 02:14 PM

Blacklight, Morrowind northern mainland

Nalion knew Blacklight well from previous days. He remembered the harbour, bustling with men and mer, busying themselves with unloading ships, striking deals and exchanging news and gossip. That was the past, though. Now, things looked a little bit different. Blacklight had been occupied by a large Azurite force during the Blue Dawn. Damage to property had been low, yet there were other, more significant signs that things had changed. The forces they had wielded on Hogithum had vanquished every single Azurite with the exception of those three they had protected: Tamne, Jazbet and Dar'Var. Now, Blacklight, though slowly repopulating, still seemed empty compared to the images of Nalion's memories.
The first time he had been in Blacklight, he had arrived on a ship called Wavedancer. What seemed an eternity ago now, happened in truth just roughly nine months ago. The name of the ship's captain had been Rindral Dralor and Nalion wondered if the Dunmer managed to survive the Blue Dawn. He hoped so, for it was the captains skill that saved the boat - and thus Nalions life - during a storm they were caught in on the voyage to Blacklight.

The mage shifted and tried to find a comfortable position on the grassy ground he sat on. He had sought solitude for a while from his companions. As much as he enjoyed being with his friends, at some time, he needed to be alone to collect his thoughts and think about the events that happened during their adventures. Thus, he slipped away as night fell and climbed a small hill outside the city, which had aforementioned view on the harbour. The view on the harbour though was not the only reason why the mage chose this hill...

The Breton lay down on his back and looked straight upwards into the sky. It was Sun's Height and the sign of the Apprentice stood high in the sky. Nalion, though himself born under the Atronarch, watched the stars of this sign gleaming like sparkling diamonds. The Apprentice, as well as the Ritual and the Atronarch, were the charges of their guardian constellation, the Mage.
It is said that that each guardian constellation protects its charges from the thirteenth constellation, the Serpent.
The serpent, sign of both the most blessed and the most cursed, made of unstars, sign of constant strife and undertaking, moving irregular through the skies, threatening other constellations at times...

Redguards, so Nalion had learned during his travels in Hammerfell, told of a being called "Sep". Sep is pictured as the second serpent, and a hungry one. Sep, as creator of the skin ball "needed more punishment, and so Tall Papa squashed the Snake with a big stick. The hunger fell out of Sep's dead mouth and was the only thing left of the Second Serpent. While the rest of the new world was allowed to strive back to godhood, Sep could only slink around in a dead skin, or swim about in the sky, a hungry void that jealously tried to eat the stars."

Threat, strife, hunger, violence...

Almost devilish features and yet a part of almost everything. Birth as a violent act against the mother, strife and hunger as the wish to be more than one is now, death as threat against the body. To what end, though? To be cast again into the whirling of the wheel, to ever spin around?

***

Nalion forgot the time in his musings and the next conscious feeling he had was the warmth of the sun on his face. He opened his eyes, recalling his thoughts to the here and now - and to the purpose at hand. The mage hurried back to the inn his companions had stayed and gathered them. A small wooden sculpture of a wolf's head was swiftly found and bought and the Morag Tong guildhall was equally found in just a few minutes. As they were told by Bradas, the party left the carved wolfshead along with fifty septims and a note in a corner at the common room of the guildhall.

Then Isidor, Reichi, Arynel, Nalion and the former slave R'shasha left Blacklight and took the mages guild to fast-travel back to Ald Raathim.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 03:11 PM

Blacklight

Scant moments after Nalion left the token, it and the attached note seemingly disappeared, tucked quietly into the tunic of a Tong member in good standing, who carried both to the Mage Guild. There, quiet words were exchanged with the aged guild guide - a new face, though one already getting used to these visits. Note and token found their way out of Blacklight, crossing the land with magical speed and finding their ways into the hands of a young Dunmer.

The young mer, clad in black-dyed netch armor and wearing a heavy silver ring of a snarling wolfs-head, regarded the token with mild interest. Red eyes set in a face marked by years of fighting and killing read over the delicate, Outlander handwriting:

The hunt is your life and you live for the hunt.
There are others who do hunt also.
There may be an opportunity for both of our hunts to be successful.
Meet us in the district of Daruhn, a place you should know by now.

Nalion

A slight breeze blew the mer's long, messy black hair into his face; with a quiet growl he pushed his hair aside, letting his angular features again see the light of day. He tucked the note into his belt and carelessly tossed the wooden wolf-head to some Outlander kid - some blond moppet who started to thank him, until he gave the boy a feral smile that made the mannish youth scramble off.

Chuckling to himself, he set about his business, buying supplies; most of the vendors knew him, and knew better than to argue when he named a price for the wares that was just under half what they were worth. He grinned again, and made his way out of town.

His pack had found Daruhn an interesting place last time; its castle had made for a fun little challenge, see how easily they could sneak in with just a bare bones reconiassance. Granted, there had been a touch of difficulty - some fool servant got in the way and got himself killed, and Ranabi had somehow gotten himself knocked out by the noblewoman who ruled the place nowadays despite having had the element of surprise on his side. Well, Ranabi was a bit too cocky for his own good sometimes, and had delusions of being capable of leading the pack; nothing a good thrashing couldn't fix.

It was strange to be heading back so soon to a land they just left, but no matter; the pack would go where the gold was. And this Nalion fellow would have gold for them, he was sure - even if they had to take it from him. A chuckle escaped his throat again as he returned to his pack.

===

We shall pick up what happens next in another thread.

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna