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

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 11:12 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

===

Summary for Loranna:

Loranna is in Ald Raathim, entertaining the Quuen Mother Barenziah after a day that involved underwater assassins, insight into some of the politics of Oblivion, and getting blasted by a Daedra Duke, and even more assassins. She eats her meal and waits for the desert to be brought out, while wondering how her friend Tris is doing and how Barenziah feels about the party.

Posted by: Nalion Aug 2 2005, 11:18 AM

Summary
In the last installment, Nalion, a male Breton mage, witnessed the banishment of two Daedra back to Oblivion.
After this event, Barenziah, Dowager Queen of Morrowind, visited Ald Raathim and during the obligatory feast, Tris, friend and companion of old, arrived after a long time absence, bearing a message and a task from Allerleirauh.
Nalion is currently returning with Tris to the feast in honour to Barenziah.

Posted by: Eyes Of the Wolf Aug 2 2005, 11:28 AM

Information on Dastril:

Race: Altmer
Sex: Male

Summary:
Dastril is in meditative state in his room at the tavern. He has gone little younger, and the innkeep has found him.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Aug 2 2005, 11:29 AM

ooc summary:

Gee, it's been a while since I was here - so many new faces! So I'll give a proper character description. Tris is a male Breton, 20 years old, athletic, tanned, and graceful, with blonde hair (presently cut in a deliberately touseled, very calculated style), warm greenish-grey eyes, and legendary dimples. He's tall for a Breton, which makes him shorter than just about everybody else in the world. At the moment he's wearing his best clothes, which means a well-cut, sleeveless jerkin over perfectly tailored trousers and a fine linen shirt with decorative stitching. However, his stylish clothes look as if they just came out of a satchel where they were tightly rolled to take up as little room as possible, because they did.

Tris came from someplace Outside, with a message for Nalion from General Light - Allerleirauh. Having delivered the message, he is returning to the feast, in hopes of talking to the famous Barenziah, once queen of Wayrest, where he grew up.

Posted by: Moonblink Aug 2 2005, 03:57 PM

OOC summary:
I go for a day and were already on part 14... o.o

Ahjaar is a khjiit that came from unknown origins. She woke up on a ship one day, have no clue where she was, or why she was here. She couldnt remeber anything from her past.

She has stuck with Shaka, who had helped her kindly, and she had helped Loranna and the others in return. Now she is set on leaving Ald Raathim, but first she has to get her memory back, which she hopes Loranna can help her do.

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 04:30 PM

OOC:

Arynel, male Breton, is currently at the feast for Barenziah.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 04:52 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 10:30 AM)

OOC:

Arynel, male Breton, is currently at the feast for Barenziah.

OOC: Isidor, the male Nord, is conversing with Arynel.

QUOTE(Arynel)

Arynel’s eyes grew starry eyed, and though he was looking right at Isidor, it was hard to determine whether he even saw the Nord at all. The Breton spoke.

“I have stepped where no path is laid, and palisades of greatest height and grandeur have I passed over, I walk the path as I will, and have gone where no map can follow. Of the world I make my outstretched vista, this grand terrain a canvas on which history is painted, in haste, with desperate strokes.”

Isidor nodded and said "Do you pledge any loyalty to Loranna?".

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 04:56 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 08:52 AM)

OOC: Isidor, the male Nord, is conversing with Arynel.

QUOTE(Arynel)

Isidor nodded and said "Do you pledge any loyalty to Loranna?".

"As bright as the stars shine," Arynel said, "that much my own way do I follow, my loyalties lie in the footworn path."

The Breton took another bite of food.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 04:59 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 10:56 AM)

Isidor nodded and said "Do you pledge any loyalty to Loranna?".

QUOTE

"As bright as the stars shine," Arynel said, "that much my own way do I follow, my loyalties lie in the footworn path."

The Breton took another bite of food.

"But, if you are not loyal to her, you certainly partake of her hospitality."

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 05:02 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 08:59 AM)

"But, if you are not loyal to her, you certainly partake of her hospitality."

“Hospitality is scarcely found,” Arynel said.

“Besides,” the Breton added, “I was asked to stay.”

Posted by: S'reddit Aug 2 2005, 05:08 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Aug 2 2005, 02:01 AM)

"Why not? I could use a drink for myself.", Nalion quickly agreed. "Loranna has a store of good Wayrest vintage, Tris. I doubt that she would hold it back when Barenziah is present."

Indeed, Loranna had open a few bottles of Breton wine, and the Queen Dowager and Regent Barenziah was drinking it with a great smile, once again waving away her taster whose job it was to make certain she wasn’t poisoned.

"Now, this takes me back to Eadwyre," Barenziah sighed but without regret. She chuckled. "I didn’t like it at first. I was used to flin and mazte and brandy … I would ask my stepdaughter to send me some, but then I really would need my poison tester. Actually, there is the finest, rarest wine of all in your home province, my lady. I only had it twice, first when I was very, very young, and I stole some from the Baron’s cellar. The second time, when I was with Tiber Septim."

"He was a great man, but I assumed otherwise, because I was determined not to show respect to people others revered," Barenziah smiled. "The folly and righteousness of youth. Always assuming you must know better than your elders. You are right about it exactly half the time."

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 05:09 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 11:02 AM)

“Hospitality is scarcely found,” Arynel said.

“Besides,” the Breton added, “I was asked to stay.”

"What do you make of Nalion?"

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 05:29 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 09:09 AM)

"What do you make of Nalion?"

“He is as fine a fellow as a mage can be,” Arynel said, “which is very truly a compliment.”

“He listens,” the Breton added, “He considers the world around.”

Posted by: S'reddit Aug 2 2005, 05:38 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 08:29 AM)

“He is as fine a fellow as a mage can be,” Arynel said, “which is very truly a compliment.”

“He listens,” the Breton added, “He considers the world around.”

"I have heard of you, Arynel," Barenziah said. "I would be honored if you would sing, if not tonight then another?"

Posted by: Aki Aug 2 2005, 05:46 PM

OOC Summary:

The male Dunmer Reichi iscurrently attending the feat for Barenziah as well, do little more than stuffing his face, despite Razbiah's food being infamously bland.
-----------------------

Reichi glanced at Arynel and Isisdor, smirking. The Dunmer hadn't thought Isidor could converse with the Breton for this long. Arynel talked in a manner one would seek to name him Vehk-Incarnate. Reichi often only half understood Ayrnel, and even then wasn't sure if he had gotten that half right. He was a bit surprised when Barenziah asked Arynel to sing, and grinned.

This outta be good...

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 05:54 PM

Isidor turned with rapt attention to the Breton, as he began to sing.

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 05:59 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 2 2005, 09:38 AM)

"I have heard of you, Arynel," Barenziah said. "I would be honored if you would sing, if not tonight then another?"

Arynel nodded his head, and with a wave of his arms the Breton summoned up a lute. He began to sing.

Let us sing of a dowager queen
Born in that great Dunmer capital grand
Old Mournhold fabled city of Gems
Set to flight at age still infant
To foreign lands and faces distant
Did she spend her earliest of years
Becoming a thief to lived on the lam
With a friend and a lover now and again

Found out again and set to nobility
Her rite by birth but forgotten in mobility
To grandest Cyrodiil did she travel
To acquaint with such exalted one as the Emperor
And so their pairing became stuff of rumor and fable
But she came with child and was quickly sent away
To that Dunmer province did she commence
Though time and time venture to many a distant province

Oh Nightingale Nightingale
Be you lover or betrayer
Such a rogue and a trickster
Beautiful and vile
The emperor hid away
When the staff was found and broken
And she that dowager queen to aid
The one to go fit piece and piece together

And what a verse and only one
And though the tale quite long continues
I find my voice is becoming hoarse
So I will say this is the ending

Posted by: S'reddit Aug 2 2005, 06:18 PM

Barenziah listened to the song, smiling sometimes, frowning others.

"Aye," the Queen Mother said at last. "Some of that is true. It is no great pleasure to have your many, many follies and rare moments of goodness immortalized in book and verse, but it is an education to hear while I’m still alive how I will be remembered. You have great talent, sir."

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 06:20 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 2 2005, 11:08 AM)

Loranna smiles and takes a sip of her own wine, Barenziah's words bringing back memories of her own.

"I always used to be an ale and mead drinker myself," she admits. "Still am, actually, but I've broadened my tastes ..."

Skyrim; Loranna had gone for over a decade not missing her home providence, and then when she had returned she thought it an inhospitatle land at first. Now ...

"I miss the snow," she says, somewhat absently, before adding "And yes, I know what it's like to be young. I don't think I even managed being right half the time myself."

She thinks of Falco for a moment, then sips her wine again, listening to Arynel sing. He did always have a lovely voice.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 06:23 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 2 2005, 12:18 PM)

Isidor, always the foward one, said "My lady, if you don't mind my bluntness, do you bring any word of your son?".

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 06:23 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 2 2005, 10:18 AM)

Arynel nodded to Barenziah.

“I mean no ill will, understand,” the Breton said, “A life well lived is a tale worth telling, and this one is as good as any. Let it be remembered, I say, with firelight fancy and childlike wonder.”

"And I am fond of a jest now and again, I will not claim to be void of crude humors."

Posted by: S'reddit Aug 2 2005, 06:25 PM

Thianas, carrying in the cake with two assistants, overheard the song. He paused, shaking, and murmured, "B’Vek, the Queen will have his tongue for that," before he composed himself, afraid of toppling over the multi-layered, gravity-defying cake, held just barely aloft by magic.

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 06:32 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 12:23 PM)

"Arynel is ..." Loranna started to say, when Thianas brought in the cake, and her eyes widened.

"By the Goddess that's the biggest cake I've ever seen ..." she mutters under her breath.

" ... a man ahead of his time in many ways," she finishes, her train of thought slightly derailed.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 06:33 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 12:32 PM)

Isidor eyes the cake. "Combined, the chefs are artisans, are they not?".

Posted by: S'reddit Aug 2 2005, 06:34 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 09:23 AM)

Isidor, always the foward one, said "My lady, if you don't mind my bluntness, do you bring any word of your son?".

"I admire your bluntness," Barenziah replied, her face resolute. "He lives still, kept alive by magic and his own will, but it may not last."

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 09:23 AM)

“I mean no ill will, understand,” the Breton said, “A life well lived is a tale worth telling, and this one is as good as any. Let it be remembered, I say, with firelight fancy and childlike wonder.”

"And I am fond of a jest now and again, I will not claim to be void of crude humors."

"Do not misundertand me, sir," the Queen smiled. "I took no offense, and some pleasure. I know what I have heard about you, and I did not expect a mawkish, flattering bit of doggerel ... By Stendarr, what a cake ..."

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 06:36 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 2 2005, 12:34 PM)

"I admire your bluntness," Barenziah replied, her face resolute. "He lives still, kept alive by magic and his own will, but it may not last."

"That is sad, my lady. But, I do admire his resolve, and your honesty."

QUOTE(S'reddit)

"Do not misundertand <i>me</i>, sir," the Queen smiled. "I took no offense, and some pleasure. I know what I have heard about you, and I did not expect a mawkish, flattering bit of doggerel."

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 06:42 PM

“So long as I don’t find myself ill regarded by the royal guard,” the Breton said, half to himself, “then I am as well considered as I need to be.”

“But no matter,” the Breton added, his eyes sparking, “we have cake.”

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 06:45 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 2 2005, 12:34 PM)

"I admire your bluntness," Barenziah replied, her face resolute. "He lives still, kept alive by magic and his own will, but it may not last."
"Do not misundertand me, sir," the Queen smiled. "I took no offense, and some pleasure. I know what I have heard about you, and I did not expect a mawkish, flattering bit of doggerel ... By Stendarr, what a cake ..."

Loranna glances at Barenziah, saying "Ah ...", her eyes containing an unspoken question.

"It almost seems a crime to dig into such an impressive cake," Loranna says as she glances back at Thianas, "but it would be an even bigger crime not to. Thianas dear - words fail me; you and Razbiah have done an incredible job for tonight ..."

"Hope I saved enough room for this one though," she mutters under her breath, her plate and fork ready.

Posted by: Aki Aug 2 2005, 06:46 PM

"Wow..." Reichi said watching the cake. "Wonder if its as tastey as it is impressive..." he wondered aloud.

Posted by: syronj Aug 2 2005, 07:12 PM

Shaka had begun a dessert wine and was eying the cake. Didn't I explore a daedric temple shaped like that once, he wondered.

No matter, if it were half as delicious as it was imposing, the dinner would have an end that would be equally memorable as the occasion of the Dowager Queen's visit.

He glanced at Anya and Falco, smiling to see their eyes like children's at a festival.

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 07:32 PM

Thianas bowed to the company and supervised the disassembling of his tenuously assembled cake. This was a performance as well. Each plate was given a small piece from each layer, so one assistant stood on a ladder, another on the ground, slicing. Every cut brought out a burst of sparks. On the plate, it reassembled itself, so that when eaten it was never less than perfect, only smaller and smaller.

The cake itself was the finest any assembled had ever eaten. There was no magic to its flavor, except the magic of a master chef.

Razbiah had tears in her eyes.

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 07:39 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 01:32 PM)

Loranna laughs and claps, delighted. She eats her cake slowly, savoring the flavor; it was beyond delicious, and Loranna feels for a moment like she's back in the house of Dibella in Cyrodiil, her senses enchanted by the beauty of the cake.

And she had thought Thianas's sweetrolls were divine ...

On the second bite though, she notices Razbiah, and looks over at her, questioningly.

Posted by: Aki Aug 2 2005, 07:42 PM

Reichi, like Loranna, took his time in eating the cake. It tasted indescribably good, and the manner in which it reformed itself was rather impressive. The cake was as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach.

Posted by: syronj Aug 2 2005, 07:43 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 01:39 PM)

Shaka was savoring the cake. Glancing over at the nearby dunmer, he grinned mischievously and said, "Was it ... good for you too, Reichi?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 07:44 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 01:39 PM)

On the second bite though, she notices Razbiah, and looks over at her, questioningly.

Razbiah leaves quickly and Thianas, after taking a few compliments, goes out after her.

"I take back what I said about your staff keeping you thin," Barenziah said, her fork still in her mouth. "If you keep this mer on your staff, and you do not go out adventuring daily, you will be the sload lady of Ald Raathim."

Posted by: Aki Aug 2 2005, 07:48 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 2 2005, 01:43 PM)

Shaka was savoring the cake. Glancing over at the nearby dunmer, he grinned mischievously and said, "Was it ... good for you too, Reichi?"

Reichi made a afirmative sounding grunt through a mouth full of cake.

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 07:49 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 01:44 PM)

"Good thing adventure seems to find me so readily then," Loranna jokes, grinning to Barenziah. The Dowager Queen can see though that Loranna's eyes followed Razbiah and Thianas, and a slight look of concern dampen Loranna's expression.

... Thianas is close to her; there's nothing I can say that he couldn't, and probably better than I could at that, she thinks, though the concenred look doesn't go away.

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 07:58 PM

The Breton Arynel devoured his piece of cake, which was delicious, and then considered privately his chances at getting a second. All the while he had an ear out for goings on in the dinning hall.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 08:00 PM

After eating many portions of cake, Isidor turns to Arynel, hoping to rekindle their conversation. "What do you think about Helseth? Usuper? King, and ruler? Spoiled brat?".

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 08:01 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 12:00 PM)

After eating many portions of cake, Isidor turns to Arynel, hoping to rekindle their conversation. "What do you think about Helseth? Usuper? King, and ruler? Spoiled brat?".

Arynel brushed a few crumbs from the corner of his mouth, and then turned to Isidor.

“What do I think of Helseth?” The Breton began, “In all honesty, I don’t.”

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 08:02 PM

A band of minstrels began singing the old Cyrodilic ballad "The Cunning of the Gray Fox" for the assembled. It was the sort of nonsense that had a pleasant rhythm, which one could pay attention to and laugh, or one could talk through and not disturb anyone.

Barenziah took the opportunity to ask Loranna: "Have you heard from Dres Minsero lately?"

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 08:03 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 02:01 PM)

Arynel brushed a few crumbs from the corner of his mouth, and then turned to Isidor.

“What do I think of Helseth?” The Breton began, “In all honesty, I don’t.”

"Is he not a large factor in the politics of the region?".

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 08:07 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 12:03 PM)

"Is he not a large factor in the politics of the region?".

"He is what he is," Arynel said, "And so long as I am not part of a Game at Dinner, I choose not to worry myself over him."

The Breton seemed to be stuck between calling the meal over or getting a second piece of cake. Or a third.

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 08:09 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 02:07 PM)

The Breton seemed to be stuck between calling the meal over or getting a second piece of cake. Or a third.

Thianas's apprentices were quick to bring more plates to people who demanded more cake, which was the large majority of those assembled. Particularly those who began their first forkful with the words, "Well, just a bite ..."

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 08:11 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 02:02 PM)

"Other than a brief letter earlier today, I haven't talked with him since Early Harvest," Loranna says. "Have you news of him? Is he doing well?"

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 08:14 PM

Arynel swiped not one, but two pieces of cake from a passing tray. Quite satisfied, the Breton began to eat.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 08:15 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 02:07 PM)

"You believe him a poisner?."

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 08:17 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 12:15 PM)

"You believe him a poisner?."

Arynel stopped eating only long enough to answer, he did not even lay down his fork.

"I believe it is wise to consider that possibility," the Breton said, "If ever you become acquainted with him."

Posted by: syronj Aug 2 2005, 08:17 PM

Shaka worked on his second plate and had a servant take a well-decorated slice to Anya. With it was a note: "No cake for you, Falco. Compliments to the woodelf."

Shaka raised his glass to Loranna in appreciation.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 08:17 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 02:17 PM)

Arynel stopped eating only long enough to answer, he did not even lay down his fork.

"I beleive it is wise to consider that possibility," the Breton said, "If ever you become acquainted with him."

"Have you ever been aquaninted with him?".

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 08:20 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 12:17 PM)

"Have you ever been aquaninted with him?".

Arynel, quite wanting to eat his cake, swallowed another bite and looked at Isidor.

"I spoke with him briefly, once, but that was our only discourse."

The Breton hastily returned to his cake.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 08:21 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 02:20 PM)

Arynel, quite wanting to eat his cake, swallowed another bite and looked at Isidor.

"I spoke with him briefly, once, but that was our only discourse."

The Breton hastily returned to his cake.

"If you have only met him once, how can you make such assumptions about him?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 08:21 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 02:11 PM)

"Other than a brief letter earlier today, I haven't talked with him since Early Harvest," Loranna says. "Have you news of him? Is he doing well?"

"I visited him just before I came here, and convinced him to stand down his army. I thought he might have mentioned that in the letter. I think it's perfectly reasonable to have a local guard for defense like you have, my lady. But having each member of each house having an army capable of invasion ... it's Dunmer culture, but it's what keeps us divided. I managed to get Minsero to see that, but it took some effort."

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 08:23 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 12:21 PM)

"If you have only met him once, how can you make such assumptions about him?"

Arynel, again, paused from his eating, and looked at Isidor.

"I do not judge him more harshly than any others," the Breton said, before returning to his cake.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 08:25 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 02:23 PM)

Arynel, again, paused from his eating, and looked at Isidor.

"I do not judge him more harshly than any others," the Breton said, before returning to his cake.

"Well, you have certainly passed judgement on both the mother and the son."

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 08:27 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 12:25 PM)

"Well, you have certainly passed judgement on both the mother and the son."

Arynel stopped eating, and placed his fork carefully on the table beside his tray. Turning, he looked Isidor square in the eye.

"What would you claim my judgement to be?" The Breton asked, "We shall see if the stones fall rightly."

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 08:29 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 02:27 PM)

Isidor thought for a moment and then said "You think Barezinah a Queen undeserving of respect, or the power she weilds. You think she is the same thief she was so many years ago. You think Heleseth is her mother's son; a poisner, a sneak and undeserving of respect or power."

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 08:30 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 02:21 PM)

"Ah, I see," Loranna says, her eyebrows going up a bit from Arynel and Isidor's conversation.

"Lord Minsero struck me as a good mer," Loranna says, choosing her words with some care. "I have a good deal of respect for him, and liking as well. I can imagine though it must have taken some effort."

She smiles a bit, though her heart beats just a little faster.

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 08:33 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 12:29 PM)

Arynel answered without emotion.

“My temple is one not easily uncovered, your stones have fallen haphazardly, beware of faulty architecture.”

The Breton promptly returned to his cake.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 08:35 PM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 2 2005, 02:33 PM)

Arynel answered without emotion.

“My temple is one not easily uncovered, your stones have fallen haphazardly, beware of faulty architecture.”

The Breton promptly returned to his cake.

"Say what you will, Arynel."

He turns to see Loranna looking slightly nervous.

Posted by: Arynel Aug 2 2005, 08:38 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 12:35 PM)

"Say what you will, Arynel."

He turns to see Loranna looking slightly nervous.

"That I have," Arynel said between bites from his cake.

The Breton finished the second piece and turned to the third, all the while keeping an ear out for the conversation between Loranna and Barenziah.

Posted by: Xyber02 Aug 2 2005, 08:45 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 2 2005, 12:17 PM)

Anya was slightly paying attention to the other members conversations, but was enamored in her cake to much to care.

As she finished her first, small slice, a plate was handed to her by a servant. Giggling at the note, she looked at the piece, "Oh, it's almost too pretty to eat, almost."

As she started to dig into the cake, she shook her head at Shaka and Falco, looking up she mouthed the words "Thank you." to the battlemage.

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 08:52 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 02:30 PM)

"Lord Minsero struck me as a good mer," Loranna says, choosing her words with some care. "I have a good deal of respect for him, and liking as well. I can imagine though it must have taken some effort."

"It did. He is, as you say, a good Dunmer, and wants the best for his people. So do I, but I also want what's best for his neighbors, and his enemies. Statecraft more often than not is about two good people fighting," Barenziah took a thoughtful bite of her cake. "I never wanted to rule. Did you?"

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 09:01 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 02:52 PM)

Loranna's expression becomes animate. "When I was traipsing around Vvardenfell like a girl without a clue, the thought of actually being in charge of anything frightened me terribly. I had thought if I somehow lived through all that that I'd become a hermit somewhere."

She pauses and relaxes. "Then people helped me realize you can't just run away from the world like that ... but I still hadn't envisioned myself as a ruler."

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 09:09 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 03:01 PM)

She pauses and relaxes. "Then people helped me realize you can't just run away from the world like that ... but I still hadn't envisioned myself as a ruler."

"I wouldn't deny the trappings of royalty are very pleasant. I would not have palaces, fine clothes, and a meal such as I had here tonight if I were still Berry the Dunmer thief," Barenziah smiled. "And the responsibilities can be so tedious. It took me some time to find my vision and my methods. I think you are closer than I was, so early in your reign. I know you have had some experiences with my son Helseth and my step-daughter Elysana. They're both effective rulers in their own ways. And their ways are very different, though perhaps it takes a mother's eyes to discern it."

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 09:16 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 03:09 PM)

Loranna glances at her companions for a brief second, then turns back to Barenziah.

"Thank you Your Majesty," she says. "I have good friends and good people working for me; they deserve no small amount of praise for what we've managed to do so far here."

"I regret the circumstances under which I met both Helseth and Elysana," she continues. "Your son and I were both stressed when we met, and had such a daunting task looming over us, and my first meeting with Elysana she and I were both playing at being someone we weren't - her much better than me, but it was still not the best way to meet someone."

"If I may ask, Your Majesty," she ventures, "how would you describe your son's and step-daughter's ways of ruling?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 09:22 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 03:16 PM)

"If I may ask, Your Majesty," she ventures, "how would you describe your son's and step-daughter's ways of ruling?"

"Hard to summarize," Barenziah took the last bite of her cake. "They respond very differently to threats imagined and real. They are different kinds of diplomats. In truth, it may not be that they are so very different as their kingdoms are so very different. Elysana's is smaller but more stable, so her goal has been to expand it. Helseth's is large but conflicted, and his goal has been to unite it under himself. While he is ill, I have taken his goal and made it my own."

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 09:33 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 03:22 PM)

"I see," Loranna says, munching on her cake thoughtfully. "That does make sense."

She swallows, and reaches for her wineglass, wheels turning in her mind.

"From what you say about Lord Minsero, it sounds as though you're having some success in your endevor, Your Majesty," she says diplomatically.

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 09:35 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 03:33 PM)

"From what you say about Lord Minsero, it sounds as though you're having some success in your endevor, Your Majesty," she says diplomatically.

"Some success, but balancing power requires total success," Barenziah nodded. "I thank you for a lovely evening, my lady. I'm afraid I must retire for the night. It's been a long journey."

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 09:38 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 03:35 PM)

"Some success, but balancing power requires total success," Barenziah nodded. "I thank you for a lovely evening, my lady. I'm afraid I must retire for the night. It's been a long journey."

Loranna nods. "Have a restful evening, Your Majesty. We shall see you in the morn."

Loranna frowns mentally; she had a lot of thinking and talking to do tonight ...

Posted by: syronj Aug 2 2005, 09:38 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 03:33 PM)

Shaka spoke to the head table for the first time. "Dres Loranna, thank you for this feast. Your Majesty, have you heard how Dres Vendama and Dres Obael are faring these days, by any chance?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 09:40 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 03:38 PM)

Loranna nods. "Have a restful evening, Your Majesty. We shall see you in the morn."

Loranna frowns mentally; she had a lot of thinking and talking to do tonight ...

Barenziah stood up, and her guards stood up with her.

"Thank you very much for an extremely entertaining evening," the Queen Mother said. "I have not had such company in a very long time. I look forward to seeing each of you tomorrow."

With that, Barenziah and most of her guard departed. A few stayed around for thirds of cake.

Posted by: Stargazey Aug 2 2005, 09:45 PM

Isidor took a drink, and then said "A splendid feast, Loranna."

Posted by: Loranna Aug 2 2005, 09:49 PM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 03:45 PM)

Isidor took a drink, and then said "A splendid feast, Loranna."

"Thank you Isidor, and Shaka," Loranna says, toasting as the Queen departs. "To Her Majesty's health."

Once Barenziah is gone, Loranna asks for a couple more pieces of cake. "I think I will retire soon myself," she says, adding with a grin "Plus I promised someone a slice of cake."

Posted by: syronj Aug 2 2005, 09:52 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 03:49 PM)

Shaka raised his glass to Loranna as well. "Thank you for today, Dres Loranna." He didn't think Barenziah had heard his question, but Shaka was satisfied that the dinner had concluded well.

Posted by: Moonblink Aug 2 2005, 10:52 PM

Ajaar was eating her dinner at The Drunken Guar, thinking.

She could see Loranna tomarrow. Then she would get her memory back.

Good.

Or maybe that wasn't so good....
For all she knew, she could be some wanted crimanal from another provenice. Maybe she would regret remebering.... remebering what she had forgoten.
But then she could learn, learn why the captian had seen a "dragon", learn why she had all these dreams of a little human girl.

The girl. She had her in her dreams. The dreams were so vived, she could almost still feel she was there.

It always started with her walking on an island. But she was not alone. There was always this little girl that would walk with her. The girl wore a blue dress and was happy.
As they walked on the shore of an Island, Ahjaar heard somthing in the bushes on the Island. It would follow them as they walked, staying in the shadows.

The girl was unaware of the threat, untill it attacked.
A blast of heat flew out of the bushes, knocking the girl and Ahjaar over.
Ahaar would look into the forest as a dragon emerged, fire dancing in its mouth. It roared, and whiped Ahjaar with It's tail. Before Ahjaar lost concuisness, the Illusion faded away and a man in black armor grabbed the little girl. Then all went black...

Posted by: Allerleirauh Aug 2 2005, 11:28 PM

Tris had eaten only a single slice of cake, slowly, lingeringly, with his eyes and ears wide open to what was happening around him. He wondered if Razbiah's tears were pride in her lover, or jealousy, and he wondered at the magnificent forbearance of the Queen. Truly a great lady. But then, she had been an adventurer herself, once upon a time; it was no great wonder she remembered what adventurers were like.

Posted by: Sheogorath Aug 2 2005, 11:53 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 2 2005, 05:28 PM)

A red-armored royal guard touched Tris on the shoulder. "Pardon me, sir. Her Royal Highness would like a moment of your time in her room."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Aug 2 2005, 11:56 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 04:53 PM)

A red-armored royal guard touched Tris on the shoulder. "Pardon me, sir. Her Royal Highness would like a moment of your time in her room."

Tris hadn't expected this. Just let me brush my hair, he started to say. But his hair looked as good as it was ever likely to look; that was nerves speaking.

"Thank you," he said, and followed the guard.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:01 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 2 2005, 05:56 PM)

"Thank you," he said, and followed the guard.

The guard knocked on Barenziah's door, and when she said, "Come in," he escorted Tris inside, and closed the door behind him.

"Pardon me for taking you away from the others, but you must be related to Sternhart," said the Queen Mother. "Unless I'm much mistaken."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 12:08 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 05:01 PM)

Tris, unlike most of the people who knew his father, remained entirely innocent of the fact that he looked much as his father had in his younger days.

He had prepared a flowery greeting; it disappeared from his mind at the queen's words.

"Yes, your majesty," he said, when he could think again. "I'm Tris Gaerington, his eldest son. Although we don't speak. How did you know?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:13 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 2 2005, 06:08 PM)

"Yes, your majesty," he said, when he could think again. "I'm Tris Gaerington, his eldest son. Although we don't speak. How did you know?"

"Oh, by Kynareth, lad," Barenziah laughed very hard, and took a moment to compose herself. "Forgive me. You may not know this, but your father helped finance my daughter's dowry to the King of Firsthold. And when I saw you, just for a moment, I thought, oh damn, now he's going to want that gold back."

"Of course, I realized my mistake at once," Barenziah continued, wiping a tear from her eye. "You're known as Mirror now, or you used to be?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 12:19 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 05:13 PM)

"They're right when they say you know everything," Tris said. "I am still Mirror.

"To be honest, I had wondered if King Helseth didn't owe my father money - he's fond of playing both sides, my father, and it would be inconvenient to try to collect without alerting her majesty Elysana to the circumstances of any loan. But I'm not here to collect for my father; I hate banking and business. As you can imagine, I'm something of a disappointment to him."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 12:25 AM

As the guests got up for after-dinner conversation, Shaka walked over to Anya. "I promised you that we'd look into your shoulder; I'll check whether Dres Loranna is free."

Shaka talked to Loranna's guards to see if the Lady was finished talking to Slyvos yet.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:25 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 2 2005, 06:19 PM)

"That's where I heard about you most recently," Barenziah said. "Elysana's spymaster before the current one was a double agent for us, and told us she was looking for you. I don't feel bad about defaulting on your father's loan, I confess. He made off well-enough when Helseth and Elysana were both vying for the throne, like you said, playing one side against another. Kynareth, but you're a handsome lad."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 12:27 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 2 2005, 06:25 PM)

The guard Shaka speaks to disappears for a few moments, and Loranna comes back out.

"Yes Shaka, what is it?" she asks, looking a bit more girlish than usual; her eyes are twinkling.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 12:30 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 06:27 PM)

The guard Shaka speaks to disappears for a few moments, and Loranna comes back out.

"Yes Shaka, what is it?" she asks, looking a bit more girlish than usual; her eyes are twinkling.

Lucky devil, thought Shaka of Slyvos. "Thanks for your time, Dres Loranna and please give my regards to Slyvos; we won't forget how much of himself he gave to the summoning."

"I asked to talk to you about Anya's shoulder. She's too much of a trouper to complain about it, but I can tell she's not sleeping . . . . Anya, go ahead," said Shaka, glancing around to confirm that no one could hear their talk.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 12:30 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 05:25 PM)

Tris felt himself blush scarlet, like a Wayrest rose.

"Thank you, your majesty," he said. And then, "The fair city of Wayrest has been a little less fair since you left it."

He had thought it wasn't possible to blush any harder, but he did; what was he thinking, to say such a thing?

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 12:33 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 2 2005, 06:30 PM)

Loranna looks to Anya. "Not sleeping?" she asks, frowning.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 12:38 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 2 2005, 04:30 PM)

Glancing down, Anya blushed. Tears started to from in her eyes as she thought back, but none fell yet. Making sure no one was watching, she pull down the small sleeve of the robe, showing her shoulder. Marring her slightly tan skin were three angry scars, nearly pure white and ropy. They ran diagonally from the tip of her shoulder, stopping short of her chest.

"I... I've never shown anyone this before. It happened when Red Mountain erupted, Twilights, they attacked my home. They healer that found me said she did the best she could, but it wouldn't go away, even when the small rakes on my face did."

Closing her eyes, and watching the red sky through them, she pulled up her past, letting the tears finally come. "That's not a-all either. I've been having nightmares for the past week, but they're too real to be mere dreams, I thought I had let go..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 2 2005, 06:30 PM)

Barenziah smiles, and touches Tris's cheek: "Has it really? What a darling thing to say, my boy. And what a pretty blush. A very pretty blush. No, I can see now, the resemblance to your father was merely superficial. If he tried to seduce me, it would have been purely a business transaction, and there would have been no blush. What are your aims, Tris?"

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 12:42 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 06:38 PM)

Shaka felt hollow inside. "Oh, kid .... I'm sorry, I didn't know all you were going through." He was close to tears himself.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 12:46 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 06:38 PM)

Loranna reaches out slowly to lightly touch the scars, her eyes symphathetic.

"The scars I fear you'll bear all your life, though I should be able to do something about the pain, at least," Loranna says. "As for the nightmares, though ... there's no real magical cure for those, I'm sad to say."

" ... You said they're too real to be mere dreams, though ..." she asks, even as she begins working magic to try and fix Anya's shoulder.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 12:46 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 05:39 PM)

"I spent all dinner thinking up that one line," Tris said. "It's why I didn't talk. And... I'm afraid I didn't think past that. I..."

He suddenly realized he was digging himself into a hole. She had suggested that he was trying to seduce her, and he hadn't said a word to deny it.

Sweet Merciful Dibella, help me! he thought, almost laughing at himself. She was magnificent.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 12:52 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 04:46 PM)

Wincing as the Lady touched her shoulder, Anya looked up, "Every night I sleep it seems, I relive my horrors. I wake up soaked in sweat, scared and alone. They're exactly like my past, but the mingle, I - I just don't understand, one minute I'm a little girl watching the Twi- my family killed and then I'm back with the slavers."

Her voice dropping to a low whisper, "Mother, Allania, my brother..." She watched the tears splatter on the floor, bit by bit.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 12:54 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 06:52 PM)

Shaka reached out and hugged Anya. "I'm sorry, Anya," he whispered to her. "I didn't want to put you on the spot . . . but the Lady is known as a healer."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 12:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 2 2005, 06:46 PM)

Barenziah's face was close. "You speak pretty words to an old woman, and you do not plan past that? There was a time, not too long again, when I had a hunger for poetry and power and the young men who create them both. I don't think I see your father in your eyes at all. I only see my own reflection."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:01 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 06:52 PM)

Loranna puts her hands on Anya's shoulders, reassuringly, letting Shaka embrace the beleagured Bosmer girl.

"I know what it's like, to have nightmares that won't go away," she says. "I still have them myself."

Her own eyes moisten, and her hands glow with blue magic, restoring Anya's shoulder to the best of Loranna's ability. The scars would remain, but the shoulder would no longer give Anya physical pain.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 01:05 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 05:57 PM)

Tris's thoughts flickered, for a moment, over the subject of power, the many powerful people he had loved. But it wasn't power, really, that drew him; it was nobility of spirit, the taste of an adventurous soul.

"I have been an initiate of Dibella almost my whole life," he said. "I don't see age, or youth; only beauty."

And he kissed her, thinking, Well. If she kills me, it will be worth it.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 01:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 05:01 PM)

Resting her head on Shaka shoulder, she just stood there as she felt her shoulder deaden. An Argonian, so rough on the outside, but I haven't felt this safe in a long time, so warm.

"Why would they come back now, I'd accepted what happened, it's what Vondicus taught me, but they came back so suddenly, all at once. I feel terrified when alone, unable to rest, unable to forget. I may ignore them for a time, like with the vampires battle and that Daedra quest, but they're still there, waiting for me."

Anya opened her eyes, "Oh Shaka, I'm getting your shirt wet."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 01:11 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 07:07 PM)

Resting her head on Shaka shoulder, she just stood there as she felt her shoulder deaden. An Argonian, so rough on the outside, but I haven't felt this say in a long time, so warm.

"Why would they come back now, I'd accepted what happened, it's what Vondicus taught me, but they came back so suddenly, all at once. I feel terrified when alone, unable to rest, unable to forget. I may ignore them for a time, like with the vampires battle and that Daedra quest, but they're still there, waiting for me."

Anya opened her eyes, "Oh Shaka, I'm getting your shirt wet."

"It's all right, Anya." He almost smiled that she would care about something that small. Shaka held her head gently to his shoulder.

How many other survivors are out there, he wondered for a moment. Maybe they escaped the Blue Dawn and they feel guilty for it; maybe they don't feel guilty, but they can't relax, and other people can't really understand why. Gods, the repercussions of Vvardenfell's harrowing will echo for years.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:15 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 2 2005, 07:05 PM)

"I have been an initiate of Dibella almost my whole life," he said. "I don't see age, or youth; only beauty."

And he kissed her, thinking, Well. If she kills me, it will be worth it.

Barenziah began to respond, and then pushed back. "No, lad. I was wrong to let you do that. It isn't wise. My hunger is out of habit ... I tasted the Breton wine tonight, and you ... should go now."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:18 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 2 2005, 07:11 PM)

Loranna wipes her eyes, saying "Shaka is right, dear ..."

There had to be something they could do, but what ... and then, like a splash of cold water in the face, it occurs to Loranna what might be the problem.

"Anya," she says, " ... it might be, your loved ones are really trying to reach you. Raithmat wasn't the only spirit to return; the lands of the dead and living are not as seperated as they once were."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 01:20 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 06:15 PM)

Barenziah began to respond, and then pushed back. "No, lad. I was wrong to let you do that. It isn't wise. My hunger is out of habit ... I tasted the Breton wine tonight, and you ... should go now."

Tris instantly released her and went to one knee, bowing his head.

"Forgive my impertinence, your majesty."

There were two directions he could go next; trying to make up his mind between them, he clumsily went both.

"I haven't answered any of your majesty's questions. And I... I'm good at keeping secrets."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 2 2005, 07:20 PM)

"I haven't answered any of your majesty's questions. And I... I'm good at keeping secrets."

"That's something we have in common," Barenziah smiled, and kissed Tris on the forehead. She walked over to her trunks, and took out a ruby pendant in the shape of a rose. "I don't know if I'll ever return to Wayrest. You should have this."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 01:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 05:18 PM)

Anya had her eyes closed, she was going through her memories, trying to understand why. She heard Loranna talk, and thought she understood something about family ghosts, but her voice grew fuzzy.

Anya opened her eyes, but the dining room wasn't there, it was a small cage, the small cage. The Dunmer slaver, the one she was scared of as he had a strange look in his eyes when he watched her and his sisters, came in with a portly Imperial.

"Yes, they are indeed cute specimens, I'll take a few. Let's see, that argonian there looks healthy, he'll work hard. Oh, we'll take this loverly little girl here, and that Bosmer next to her. Her sister, you say?" Jabbing his chubby hand at Anya and her sister, Allania, he sneered at them, "You'll make lovely harem slaves, especially when we get a few years on you."

The Dunmer unlocked the door and put on slave bracers on the three picked out, that's when Anya heard her mother scream, "No, don't take my little girls." With the speed only Bosmer could summon, she hit the Imperial and bowled into the Dunmer.

"Ugh." Anya watched in horror as the end of a scimitar seemingly grew from her back and she sagged to the floor. "A pity, she would have made a good house slave."

Anya cried as her sister held her tight, and they were lead away, the Imperial eyeing them like a hungry dog.

Anya gripped Shaka even tighter, her eyes closed but still twiching inside. Muffled yelps sqeaked by his shirt, as Anya slowly sagged to the floor, still hanging to the battlemage, lucky for her, Shaka still had his arms around her, and kept her steady.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 01:40 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 06:34 PM)

"Thank you, your majesty," Tris said. It was too big a present, but a queen's gifts were not to be refused.

"I'm not sure if I'll ever return to Wayrest myself. Queen Elysana... does not forgive easily. If you want to know my goals, that's one of them; for her to stop seeking my death, and the death of Ciel Dolbinen."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 01:45 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 07:38 PM)

Anya gripped Shaka even tighter, her eyes closed but still twiching inside. Muffled yelps sqeaked by his shirt, as Anya slowly sagged to the floor, still hanging to the battlemage, lucky for her, Shaka still had his arms around her, and kept her steady.

Shaka's eyes met Loranna's; he felt less competent than he probably appeared. Shaka lifted up the nearly unconscious Anya in both arms.

"My lady, do you have a couch . . ." A part of Shaka noted that Anya had no girl's body, but the solidity of a woman's. She was no burden for him though.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 01:47 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 2 2005, 07:40 PM)

"Oh, yes, I know about him too," Barenziah winked. "Well, the only answer is to make yourself more useful to her alive than dead, and make her realize that. Take your father's fortune, give her use of it, knowing that if you die, it will pass to his heirs less generously disposed ... I am sure that there are dozens of other possibilities ... I will give them some thought tonight."

She gave him another kiss on the forehead. "And, again, thank you for the very pretty words, my Tris."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 01:51 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 2 2005, 06:47 PM)

"Not pretty enough," he said, and laughed out loud at his own frustration. "It's going to be a long night for me. Good night, your majesty."

He rose, and bowed.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 01:53 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 2 2005, 07:45 PM)

Loranna was already moving to help Shaka lift Anya. "This way," she says, leading Shaka to a sitting room with a servicable couch.

"Let me look at her ..." Loranna felt worry but didn't show it; she was too busy being a healer now.

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 02:03 AM

Falco returned to his room with a smile on his face. He was not embarassed or unhappy about the little incident at the feast. He spoke his mind and was glad he did so. Falco drifted off to sleep that night thinking of joing the royal guard. Not because he felt like protecting the royal family, but because he liked the red armor.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 02:10 AM

Anya's eyes flickered through her past, through beatings and starvation, until it settled on events years later.

She lead a slave's life, forced to clean and scrub, and to cater to a lecherous fool's every whim, though nothing had happened yet. Her back was criss-crossed with scars from whips and stitches, and the only hope that hse had was that her sister was still with her, and the other girls locked in the same room.

It was a late night, and her sister hadn't returned. Finally the door creeped open to the cold and barren room where they all stayed, and her sister was shoved back in. Curling up into a small, fetid ball, Allania just stayed there, staring into the wall and didn't speak for days. Anya tried to come close, but was shoved away.

A week later, one of the gaurds came into the room and sneered at Anya, "Now it's your turn, little scum, the master wants to see you."

Tears sprang from her eyes, something was lost then, more than with her. The two siblings no longer had bond they once shared either.

Anya layed on the couch, closed eyes winched shut, a small exclamation left her lips, "No."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:15 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 08:10 PM)

Anya layed on the couch, closed eyes winched shut, a small exclamation left her lips, "No."

Loranna's breath catches in her throat. She couldn't find anything physically wrong with Anya, and from the exclamation that escaped her lips, it sounded as though the girl was in the theros of a nightmare.

Loranna's first instinct was to try and wake Anya - but she hesitates for a brief moment, remembering her own recent suggestion. Perhaps the dreams were Anya's departed loved one's way of trying to reach her?

No; none of the other ghosts she had known had spoken through dreams ...

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 02:16 AM

Isidor had wandered away from the dining room, shortly after the feast. He wished to talk with Loranna, but she was busy with Shaka and Anya. He would wait till she was done talking.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 02:18 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 08:10 PM)

Anya layed on the couch, closed eyes winched shut, a small exclamation left her lips, "No."

Shaka stretched out his hand, but didn't lay it on Anya's head. If she had been a slave, he could imagine a little of what she had had to endure, but he could never really picture how terrible it might be for a female.

Shaka didn't want to make it worse for Anya with a male's touch just now . . . He was fortunate Loranna was here.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 02:45 AM

"Get up, the master is calling for you, again. I swear, I'll never know what that buffoon sees in you, or any other elf." The last word was spit out vehemently.

"Careful, you know he doesn't like that kind of talk."

Wordlessly, Anya stood up, eyes downcast and hollow, as if seeing nothing. Passing the others, they stared at her, but Allania held it with something of distrust.

Over the past year, through rigorous and cruel exercise, she became the envy of the other servants, mer and human alike. Her clothing left nothing to the imagination, and scorn was furthur caused by the seemingly favorites played on her by the master, though she wouldn't have considered it favorites. Not that she no longer cared, for she had recessed into herself, no longer fully registering the world fully.

Down the hall, she entered the master's main bedroom. "Ah, my little flower kitten, you came. Tonight shall be pleasant indeed." A smirk crossed his face, unlike her, the years haven't been kind to the master.

A single tear rolled down her eye as the gaurds left. As soon as the door shut, the window shattered.

An Imperial, wearing standard Imperial armor, had shot it with a bow and climbed in, slaying the fattened monster in one stroke, and taking Anya in tow. The hired gaurds that watched the castle were hardly a match for the Legion trained man. But they're were many, many more than him.

Something about this pulled Anya's mind to the front, that such an act was being done for her. Thrown into the slaves room, the Imperial fended off the remaing gaurds, but a few still got by, the angry ones that depised her.

Raising his sword, he went to cut Anya through, and would have.

Through tear strained eyes, Anya saw what it was, her sister's sightless eyes with the sword stuck deeply in her shoulder, showing care than disdain.

Screaming Anya bowled into the two, knocking the gaurd into another, who's sword killed him. Taking the sword from the murderer, she ran it through the last gaurd in a fit of rage.

The images of her dead sister flashed through her mind. Screaming she kicked up at the two dark people that lorded over her while she was on the couch. "No, no get back. Stay away, go away." The world remained blurry through her eyes, crying. She curled up into a ball, hugging the pillow ferociously. The images of an argonian and some woman made it through, and she relaxed slightly when no one actually attacked.

The room was empty now, all the others had ran but the Imperial. "My name is Vondicus. You show spirit for one so ravaged. Come with me."

Dropping the sword, she walked behind Imperial, her only friend. Her face burned with a look of hate. The sky burned a firey red. The center of the island caught in a perpetual fire.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 02:51 AM

Isidor motions that he wishes to talk to Loranna, a few feet away from Anya and Shaka. "If I may be frank, and I hope you will be to, what are your feelings on the Queen?".

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:51 AM

Loranna makes her voice as soothing and comforting as she can. "It's all right, Anya; you're awake now, the dreams can't hurt you," she says. "It's all right; Shaka's here, you're safe ..."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 02:53 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 08:45 PM)

[Dropping the sword, she walked behind Imperial, her only friend. Her face burned with a look of hate. The sky burned a firey red. The center of the island caught in a perpetual fire.[/i]

Shaka gathered her in his arms. "We're here, Anya. . . . Who was this Imperial you were muttering about?" He tucked her head under his muzzle. Her blonde hair must mean a non-Bosmer in her blood, however many generations back.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 02:58 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 06:51 PM)

Isidor motions that he wishes to talk to Loranna, a few feet away from Anya and Shaka. "If I may be frank, and I hope you will be to, what are your feelings on the Queen?".

Anya wiped her eyes as reality set back in. "What happened?"

Looking around, she noticed Shaka and Loranna were quieting her down, she felt a little better. More memories now, than relived events, but still burning in her mind.

She saw Isidor waving to Loranna, "I think that he wants to talk to you. Just let me sit here. Shaka is still here, I just need some time to... think."

Burying her head in the pillow, she just sat there in the fetal curl, trying to will the monsters away. In her eye, the sky was still red, and starting to blacken.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:01 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 08:58 PM)

Loranna frowns; Anya did not look to be doing much better - but she nods. " ... All right dear," she says, turning to look at Shaka. "Take your time; we're here for you when you're ready."

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 08:51 PM)

Isidor motions that he wishes to talk to Loranna, a few feet away from Anya and Shaka. "If I may be frank, and I hope you will be to, what are your feelings on the Queen?".

"To be honest I'm still mulling over my feeling on the Queen," Loranna says to Isidor. "It's obvious what she's looking for here; I was hoping to discuss the matter with people when it wasn't so late at night."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 03:02 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 2 2005, 08:58 PM)

Burying her head in the pillow, she just sat there in the fetal curl, trying to will the monsters away. In her eye, the sky was still red, and starting to blacken.

Shaka sat next to her, his hand on her shoulder. The People of the Root were known for their patience.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 03:08 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 2 2005, 09:01 PM)

Loranna frowns; Anya did not look to be doing much better - but she nods. " ... All right dear," she says, turning to look at Shaka. "Take your time; we're here for you when you're ready."
"To be honest I'm still mulling over my feeling on the Queen," Loranna says to Isidor. "It's obvious what she's looking for here; I was hoping to discuss the matter with people when it wasn't so late at night."

"Very well. I would like to discuss this at a later time, you're right."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 03:09 AM

Tris, in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling, was trying to write poetry.

The problem was that the things he wanted to say to Barenziah were the sort of things that, when committed to paper, made young girls squeal and go running to the city militia to give a report.

Barenziah might well find such a letter amusing. But she wouldn't find it amusing if such a letter were intercepted.

He turned over on his side and considered getting someone else to write for him. Arynel was a poet. But Arynel's poetry couldn't really be mistaken for anything other than, well, Arynel's poetry. And Arynel was no master of courtly phrases.

He gave the poetry idea up as a bad deal.

He smiled, in the dark, to himself. Was he what they called a "favorite" now? He wondered how many of Barenziah's people knew he had gone to her room for a private audience, and how many of them were in love with her. He would have to be careful, or he would make enemies.

There was really only one thing to do, in his current situation. He thought that he had better do it, so he would be able to sleep.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:12 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 2 2005, 09:08 PM)

"Very well. I would like to discuss this at a later time, you're right."

Loranna gives Isidor a small smile. "Let's just try to relax for right now," she says to him. "We've all been through a lot ..."

She glances back at Anya and Shaka.

" ... Right now, no one's trying to kill us; let's enjoy that while it lasts."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 04:59 AM

After a while, Shaka thought Anya might be drifting off to sleep, probably her first true sleep in weeks. He picked her up gently and walked to her room in the guest wing.

Shaka placed Anya on her bed and covered her with a quilt, still dressed in her robe from the dinner. He left an oil lamp glowing softly in one corner of the room. Shaka smoothed the hair back from Anya's face and left.

As he closed her door, Shaka murmured to himself, "Do I know how to show a woman a good time or not," with a sad smile. He thought Anya seemed slightly more at peace tonight.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 08:37 AM

"Good, good. Now climb to the other branch." Anya looked down, half-way up the tree. Vondicus was once again making her go through one of his exerises in survival.

"Block, twirl, don't leave you side open. You're too spontaneous, think one step ahead." Anya dropped her pole, panting heavily. "Enough sparring today, little one. Let's et some food."

"Pull back. Sight down the shaft, keep both eyes open." She let the shaft go, which went widly off target. Smiling, "Uncle, I think I'll stick with throwing daggers, you can keep the bow."

Anya smiled in her sleep as she watched the lessons Vondicus taught her, made her into the survivor she was today.

"You left me! I wont let you be happy!"

The sky turned red. "Find the children!" The Imperial yelled. Fire erupted.

Anya sprinted towards the house, but a twisted female shape stopped her. The wings of the Twilight flaired and she was knocked back, but a shot from a bow slew the hellish figure.

Crying, Anya huddled up, her little arms protecting her. "Not again, not again."

Anya awoke with a start, sweating in bed. This was the first time she had heard a voice, it seemed familar, yet distant and distorted with rage. She let the few tears fall down her face as she stared at the ceiling, pulling the quilt close to her chin.

Posted by: Rhedd Yesterday, 02:50 PM

Herwyn Brand, Spymaster to Elysana, Queen of Wayrest, walked purposefully through the park. The long stretch of trees and flowerbeds nestled against a small stream as it wound through the center of Wayrest City. Herwyn had been this way many times. He often ate lunch here, reading his daily paperwork. Today, however, he was not here for the sun or to listen to the birds sing.

For many months, each morning on his way to work, Herwyn had found a Wayrest rose. Every morning he took a different route from his home to the Royal Palace, and every day there was a rose, miraculously waiting for him somewhere along the way. Far from a mystery, it had become sort of a game. He knew quite well that the intriguing Tris Gaerington, whose head the Queen would dearly love delivered to her with or without his body, was the one leaving the roses. Every day Herwyn would take a different, wildly twisting route, and every day, Gaerington would use his rather... remarkable... powers to leave a simple rose in his path.

But for the past few weeks, there had been no rose.

Then there was the girl. The wonderful, charming, childlike yet disturbingly wise girl, whose sleek dark eyes were the most common subject of Herwyn's daydreams. The girl whom, until recently, he had only known by the nickname 'Doll'. She, like Tris Gaerington, was possessed of extraordinary abilities, and she, like Tris Gaerington, had suddenly disappeared from Herwyn's life. She had not met him for an arranged meeting, and he had heard nothing from her for weeks.

Brand was one of the few people alive that knew that the two, Doll and Gaerington (or Mirror, as he was called) were members of a small organization of such gifted people. People who understood things about the workings of the universe that would reduce many scholars to tears. People who referred to themselves as Void Rangers.

Why the Spymaster had yet to tell his Queen all he knew, despite her urging that he find the outlaw Gaerington as quickly as possible, he was unsure of himself. He told himself that it would cause the Queen needless worry, and he would handle things personally, but something else nagged at his mind. Something that, if possible, seemed larger than Wayrest, and his duty to her.

The Void Rangers had a hall, under the guise of an adventuring guild, in the city of Daggerfall. Herwyn had found its location some time ago, and so naturally it was the first place he had checked for his missing... dare he say... friends.

Due to the recent trouble with ghosts, Gothryd, King of Daggerfall, had enacted many harsh restrictions and conducted all manner of investigations in his benighted city. Herwyn's sources told him that the Void Ranger's guildhouse had been one recently searched. It was no trouble at all to gain access to the reports. They read, simply, "The manor at the Southeast corner of Septim's Square: The premises hold nothing of interest."

"Nothing of interest" indeed. Herwyn had, despite the ban on Mage's Guild travel, gone to Daggerfall to see for himself. He would never forget the feeling of laying a hand on the manor doorhandle. He had tried to describe it in his journal that evening, but words had failed him.

Next he had tried the Gaerington Manor in Wayrest. Gaerington Senior, Count Sternheart and father of Tris, had recently had a third son by his new young wife, Ymalna. It was an enormous understatement to say that Tris and his father were not on the best of terms. Indeed, Herwyn was not sure who would be more pleased to hear of Tris's death, the Queen, or the Count. But it was not the Count that Herwyn called upon, it was his young wife, Ymalna.

Herwyn was aware that the young lady had recently begun a passionate, if sporadic, affair with her handsome son-in-law. Yes, the Spymaster was good at his job.

The young Countess was actually very relieved to be questioned about Tris, for she was of the opinion that the elder Gaerington had finally succeded in having his son murdered. Ymalna had been agonizing for weeks now, building the courage to inform someone of her suspicions.

Two attepts to find what had become of Tris and Doll. Two failures. Herwyn knew of only one more place to inquire.

He was almost to the end of the park. Almost to his destination. His hands were beginning to sweat, although the day was rather cool. Ahead of him, a little white marble bridge crossed the narrowest part of the bubbling stream.

"Look, just there," he remembered Tris saying, one sunny day a few months ago, as he pointed to the same bridge. "Look right at the edge. See the shimmer?"

Herwyn had looked hard, and finally, he had seen. Seen what men were not meant to see. He'd seen a seam.

A young woman crossed the bridge, a basket of fruit in her arms. She stepped down on the other side, having crossed the river. Herwyn had come here to do something exactly different.

He approached the bridge, and once again doubted the sanity of his plan. He recalled another Void Ranger whom he had met. The black, inevitable death that haunted the shadows beyond the corners of the world. The inhuman monster known as Leseth. A being so terrifying that even Tris Gaerington had lost a limb to its anger. Yet, Herwyn was about to enter the lightless nightmare that was home to this monster.

He had been there once before. He had seen the creature once before. Herwyn Brand had not had a calm night's sleep since.

The blood pounded in his ears, drowning out the twittering birds as he stared at the shifting impossibility that was the edge of the bridge. He took one last breath, said one last prayer, stepped forward...

...and was gone.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 03:04 PM

Isidor was standing outside the castle, in the moonlight, looking out at Ald Raathiam's lands. He felt uneasy, but had said nothing. He was sure that the uneasiness was connected with Barezinah's arrival, but he could not be sure. He shook his head, and began to walk, around the grounds of the castle.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:01 PM

The hidden passage in her room was just where she remembered it. Barenziah slipped in, through a series of twisting cobweb-cloaked corridors, and was in Loranna’s room in a few minutes.

Loranna was tending to a sleeping Khajiit. Must be Slyvos, the Queen Mother reasoned.

She cleared her throat as she emerged from behind the tapestry. "Sorry to disturb you, Lady. I thought we should meet in private."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:18 PM

The stars were twinkling bright like beacons lighting the way to another world, one older than this one, and perhaps merely a stepping stone on the path to the beyond. Masser and Secunda hung in the sky, haunting remnants of what once was, and what never came to be.

The still night was parried by soft footsteps, laid down with haste though not recklessly. Arynel walked out into the dark, away from the castle with his cloak swishing back and forth behind him, the Breton wasn’t comfortable with all the guards. Reaching the shoreline, he stepped into the waters and walked until knee deep in the Inner Sea.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:20 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 3 2005, 01:01 PM)

Loranna looks up from Slyvos with alacrity, like one who's become a little too used to unpleasant surprises - but she blushes upon seeing Barenziah and her expression becomes chagrined and apologetic.

"Your Majesty," she says. "Forgive me, I ... uh, of course, what did you wish to, to speak of?" Loranna has visions of Royal Guards jumping out from the woodwork.

Secret passage ... I really need to remember those are there, especially when guests come a calling, Loranna thinks to herself.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 07:26 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 10:20 AM)

"Your Majesty," she says. "Forgive me, I ... uh, of course, what did you wish to, to speak of?" Loranna has visions of Royal Guards jumping out from the woodwork.

Secret passage ... I really need to remember those are there, especially when guests come a calling, Loranna thinks to herself.

"I know you quite well, Loranna," said Barenziah. "If I had any questions about you, my spies have long ago given me their unbiased report. I thought you might have questions for me, which you might've guessed I would have been less candid about answering in a room full of strangers."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:33 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 3 2005, 01:26 PM)

"True," Loranna says. "Well ..." She clears her throat.

"At the risk of sounding very niave, just what did you wish from Ald Raathim, Your Majesty?" she asks. "I know you say you've made your son's goals your own, but what does that mean as far as we here are concerned?"

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 07:43 PM

Late that night, Shaka began a letter for Loranna by the light of a paper lantern. He hadn't had a chance to say anything more when taking Anya back to her room.

Dres Loranna,

Thank you again for healing Anya's shoulder, though we all know her mind will be a more difficult matter. Like lancing a boil, though, I think we began to drain some of the poison tonight. I don't know if her ghosts are real or just memories, but we have made a start.

I read once a compliment to a chieftain that also applies to you. You are " a river to your people".

Your friend,

S.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:49 PM

Now waist deep in the waters, Arynel dipped down, cupping his hands together and scooping out a handful of water, standing up straight the Breton watched as the liquid sifted through the cracks between his fingers, falling like a stream back to the source.

The waters sparkled with reflections of the stars above, or perhaps it was the other way around, and the skies reflected the water, and what kind of vessel would you need to sail past the moons?

Barenziah was a queen in this world, but who is royal but the one who plays the part? Was royalty decreed first by mortals or by the gods, or was it older than the both of them?

“Understand that Sithisit still travels in a phosphorescent mirror of the sky, drowned and smiling, intermittent hopes enough to answer all things not yet queried,” he said aloud, shattering the still silence. And then silence again was monarch.

What did General Light think of this queen? But she was far, far away. But she was coming soon. But it was all only an uncertain striking, for after the world falls to pieces what do you do when you realize you’re the devil?

The adversary becomes the initiatory fulcrum, and you become self-known.

Forsaking one water for another, he began to swim.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 08:18 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 01:33 PM)

"Well asked, Lady," Barenziah smiled, impressed. "To the point. I wish for Ald Raathim to be loyal to the throne of Morrowind, above your Empire, House, and Temple. That is not to say you wouldn't or shouldn't have alliances and understandings with them and others, but if I could have a wish from Ald Raathim, it would be that we could count on you to support us."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:31 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 02:18 PM)

"Above the Empire even ..." Loranna asks, feeling the skin on her scalp tighten. "That's ... a fair bit to ask, all told."

Her expression changes, becoming a bit more questioning. "The rumors of trouble in the Imperial City have been around for a while; tell me Your Majesty, just what do you foresee happening to the Empire in the next few years?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 08:43 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 02:31 PM)

"Above the Empire even ..." Loranna asks, feeling the skin on her scalp tighten. "That's ... a fair bit to ask, all told."

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 02:31 PM)

Her expression changes, becoming a bit more questioning. "The rumors of trouble in the Imperial City have been around for a while; tell me Your Majesty, just what do you foresee happening to the Empire in the next few years?"

"There are always rumors," Barenziah shrugged. "And fear of problems with succession. The Emperor is old, but he has three sons, and any of them would make a capable if not particularly imaginative Emperor. I don't think they're any more vulnerable than we all are ... probably a great deal less."

Barenziah's pause spoke volumes. It almost didn't need to be said: Helseth was unmarried, and had no heirs. Should he die, the question of succession would be real, and in Mournhold not the Imperial City.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:49 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 02:43 PM)

"You asked me my wish," the Queen Mother smiled. "Who among us has modest wishes? Let me be clear. I am not planning a war against the Empire, or the Houses, or the Temple, nor is my son." She spoke of Helseth always in the present tense, as if he were capable of planning anything now.
"There are always rumors," Barenziah shrugged. "And fear of problems with succession. The Emperor is old, but he has three sons, and any of them would make a capable if not particularly imaginative Emperor. I don't think they're any more vulnerable than we all are ... probably a great deal less."

Barenziah's pause spoke volumes. It almost didn't need to be said: Helseth was unmarried, and had no heirs. Should he die, the question of succession would be real, and in Mournhold not the Imperial City.

Loranna opens her mouth to reply to Barenziah, and then she realizes the direct implications of Barenziah's pause.

Her mouth forms words but no sound comes out; her eyebrows almost disappear under her hair.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 08:51 PM

Finished with the letter, Shaka sprinkled sand on it and blew it off. He sealed it and wrote Loranna's name, then took it to the guards near Loranna's quarters and asked that they slip it under her door when convenient.

Childish of him, Shaka thought, but Loranna had had a long day, and he didn't want to disturb her further.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 08:55 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 02:49 PM)

"My dear, do you need some water?" Barenziah went to get a pitcher, and passed the sleeping Slyvos. "So, this is the one I've heard about. He is very pretty. Hard to say which is the prettier -- him or Tris."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:02 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 02:55 PM)

"Depends on who you ask; my opinion is a little biased," Loranna says, shaking her head.

Loranna feels foolish; Stupid girl, you always make mountains from molehills. Use your brain ...

"Tris is very pretty though," she concurs. "No argument there."

She takes a deep breath. "So now, speaking less as Lady Dres Loranna and just as Loranna - just how bad is his condition, Your Majesty? And what have the other healers said so far?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:15 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 03:02 PM)

She takes a deep breath. "So now, speaking less as Lady Dres Loranna and just as Loranna - just how bad is his condition, Your Majesty? And what have the other healers said so far?"

"It is grave," Barenziah said simply, looking down on Slyvos. "They have all said he is going to die. But he won't."

The Queen Mother's eyes were confident, as if, though not being a healer, she had information that they didn't.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:24 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 03:15 PM)

"Ah; that's good," Loranna says, her chagrin from her earlier mistake still evident in her cheeks, as the realization that she just made herself sound like a fool in front of the Queen kicked in.

"I will consider your words carefully, Your Majesty," Loranna says, looking down at Slyvos herself. "I note that Lord Minsero seems to see things your way, after what you have said."

She is quiet for a moment, letting the flush fade from her cheeks, then says " ... Your Majesty, I had prepared a gift for you when you came to Ald Raathim. Would now be an appropriate time to offer it? It's perhaps a little silly but I thought you might like it."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:26 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 03:24 PM)

She is quiet for a moment, letting the flush fade from her cheeks, then says " ... Your Majesty, I had prepared a gift for you when you came to Ald Raathim. Would now be an appropriate time to offer it? It's perhaps a little silly but I thought you might like it."

Barenziah laughed, and then covered her mouth to avoid disturbing Slyvos. "I like to think that there is never an inappropriate time for gifts. In truth, I have an item or two I'd like to give you, but I was waiting until ... Yes, please, I would love to see your silly gift."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:33 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 03:26 PM)

"All right." Loranna heads to her draws and withdraws the parcel the servant gave her earlier, then presents it to Barenziah. Inside, the Queen will find a fetching gold and ebony bracelet, glowing faintly with enchantment.

"I asked the enchanter at the Guild to endow this bracelet with the power to bestow increased vigor," Loranna explains. "It will grant even a tired old body youthful stamina. Enough to take another leap into the bay, I should think."

Loranna gives a hopeful grin.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:36 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 03:33 PM)

"I asked the enchanter at the Guild to endow this bracelet with the power to bestow increased vigor," Loranna explains. "It will grant even a tired old body youthful stamina. Enough to take another leap into the bay, I should think."

Loranna gives a hopeful grin.

Barenziah looks shocked and then amused. She puts on the bracelet, admiring it against the light, before looking at Loranna curiously. "This is from you, yes? You haven't been speaking to a certain Breton they call Mirror this evening, have you?"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:40 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 03:36 PM)

"I haven't had a chance to kidnap Tris yet," Loranna admits, "and I'd need at least a day to catch up with him properly - which if I'm lucky I'll get before someone else tries to do me in. No; this I thought of when you first showed up, Your Majesty."

Her eyebrows are raised in curiosity herself.

"Eh, forgive me; I'm babbling now," Loranna says. "It is acceptable, yes?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:43 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 03:40 PM)

"Eh, forgive me; I'm babbling now," Loranna says. "It is acceptable, yes?"

"Yes, of course, I'm sorry, of course it is," Barenziah kisses Loranna's cheek. "It's beautiful and personal and very thoughtful. I thought for a moment I was being made sport of, as I was earlier this evening. Forgive me for being suspicious. I look forward to a morning swim."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:52 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 03:43 PM)

Loranna smiles, saying "Ah; I'm glad you like it then. The bay's become even more interesting in recent months; new shipwrecks to explore ..."

She pauses for a moment, thinking to herself I better go make sure before dawn that the bay is really safe ...

"There's no need to ask for forgiveness Your Majesty; indeed, forgive me for being foolish myself earlier," Loranna says. "Er, if I may ask, will you be staying long tomorrow or does your schedule require you to leave early?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:57 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 03:52 PM)

"There's no need to ask for forgiveness Your Majesty; indeed, forgive me for being foolish myself earlier," Loranna says. "Er, if I may ask, will you be staying long tomorrow or does your schedule require you to leave early?"

"That depends on you," Barenziah smiled. "I do have places to go, but I'm slightly ahead of schedule. So I can stay until you've considered my offer of an alliance, and either rejected it, or have a suggestion on what you would expect in return."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:10 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 03:57 PM)

"I see," Loranna says. " ... I've learned it's a bad idea for me to make important decisions on little sleep or an empty stomach, and the day has been a full one. I would like to take a day or two to think over what you have said, Your Majesty - I don't wish to make a hasty decision for something this important."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 10:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 04:10 PM)

"If you answered straightaway I would be surprised and disappointed," Barenziah nodded. "I should go and get some sleep myself. It has been quite an evening, and I want to get some swimming in tomorrow ... Good night."

Barenziah went back to the tapestry to take the secret passage back to her room.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:24 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 04:13 PM)

Loranna sits down on the bed, careful not to disturb Slyvos, and mutters "Note to self; when seeking to speak to nobles about alliances or other important matters, catch them when they're alone and just worn out enough to be letting their guard down."

She would need to talk to Kallen, and Nalion and Tris if she could, Arynel perhaps even. Isidor and Shaka ... she needed to hear her friends' thoughts before moving forward.

She called for a servant, telling her to let Master Nalion, Kallen, and Arynel know she was seeking to talk with him later, and she notices Shaka's letter. Raising her eyebrows, she sits down to read.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 10:45 PM

Anya felt exhausted, but didn't want to sleep. "You left me." The words echoed through her mind, confusing her.

Calling a passing servant, Anya requested hot water to be brought to the baths. The servant nodded curtly and went about her business.

I'm a mess, the tavern, dinner, this sweat, a bath would be nice. Anya stripped out of her white gown and laid it on her bed. Getting a plain robe, she draped it on and went downstairs.

Dropping the robe on a bench, Anya slipped into the hot water, soothing her somewhat tense body, though it did nothing for her mind.

Laying her head back, she just sat there, staring into the ceiling. "You left me."

Posted by: Dinylos Yesterday, 10:50 PM

The watery eyes of the old Nord slowly creaked open, readjusting to the tavern's light. His head pounded like the hammers in his folks' blacksmith shop on the edge town. Had someone hit him? Nevermind, there was the pounding again or rather footsteps as a pair of fine boots suddenly found themselves in his vision. He glanced up, there was a pair of fine trousers, the hem of a cloak, a matching doublet, and even the rest of the cloak to go with the boots. Above all the smokey cieling swirled making the old man want to retch. He buried his face once more into the floor boards and placed his hands over his matted grey hair covering his head.

"What do you want?" he tried to ask. He wasn't certain it came out that clearly. The man above him responded, it was inaudible. "What?"

***

"No! By the breath of Kyne, no!"

The shout disrupted the entire common room. Gidar's crimson eyes were drawn from his table and conversation to the drunken Nordic patron.

"Quiet, S'wit," came the collective response of several disturbed Dunmer, including the merchant.

The Nord would not acques. Rising from the floor, roughly shoving table and fool Imperials standing over him over the Nord continued to scream. Tankards, cups, and plates all went sliding to the floor, their spilled contents splattering everywhere. It was mostly gibberish, the shouting, however, one phrase repeated over and over stuck in Gidar Neras's pointed ears.

"Fire! Flame and destruction, Alduin comes to eat us all!"

As the gibbering man departed the tavern, running and screaming into the street, all eyes turned toward the Cyrodiil that had been standing over him.

"All I did was offer him a drake to go see a healer," the man shrugged sheepishly. A moment later the tavern quickly resumed its former atmosphere as the mess was cleaned up.

Gidar laughed.

"Perhaps the Northmen will finally sell me one of their horses now," he jested to his companion.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 10:51 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 04:45 PM)

Dropping the robe on a bench, Anya slipped into the hot water, soothing her somewhat tense body, though it did nothing for her mind.

Laying her head back, she just sat there, staring into the ceiling. "You left me."

At his desk, Shaka could hear Anya talking to a servant, though he couldn't make out all the words. When Anya padded past his room to the stairs, Shaka's curiousity got the better of him.

Couldn't sleep? he thought to himself. I shouldn't have put the quilt over you, figures it would get too warm.

Wondering what he was thinking, Shaka put on a robe and followed the footsteps he had heard.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:42 PM

Early the next morning, Barenziah and most of her guard were gone from the castle. Visitors to the beach below the castle would be greeted by a row of red-armored royal guardsman standing with their backs to the water, while the Queen Mother enjoyed her first swim in the waters of Ald Raathim in two hundred years.

After an hour, one of the knights turned around with a sigh and, casting a spell, walked across the water's surface to where Barenziah was swimming.

"Do you think you'll be much longer?" he said, taking off his helmet. He was a handsome young Dunmer with red-gold hair. "Some of us haven't had breakfast yet."

"Such insolence," the Queen Mother chuckled. "You should get up earlier and complain less. It seems we will be here for another day or two."

"I see."

"Have you made up your mind, Goran?"

"Oh, yes," the young knight smiled. "Yes."

Barenziah swam back to the beach, got dressed, and returned to the castle for breakfast.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 11:46 PM

Come morning Arynel was on the beach, mostly confident his starlit swim the previous night was unnoticed by the locals.

The Breton was nearly dry, now, and he eyed the guards, and the queen, with interest. Power was always worth keeping an eye on, especially when close by.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 11:52 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 05:42 PM)

When the Queen returned to the hall, for breakfast, she would find Isidor, hungrily eating, and drinking.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:02 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 05:52 PM)

When the Queen returned to the hall, for breakfast, she would find Isidor, hungrily eating, and drinking.

"Good morning, Isidor," said the Queen Mother as she and her men took their seats and were waited on by the fast-on-their-feet servants. "Did you sleep well last night?"

Posted by: Arynel Today, 12:06 AM

Though he did not typically eat at in the dinning hall, Arynel ventured there for breakfast, as those with power were wont to carry tidings, and the Breton tried to keep an eye on the directions of the waves.

Posted by: syronj Today, 12:06 AM

Shaka tried to think where Anya might have walked late at night. Not the jakes, or she wouldn't have asked a servant to run an errand. He hadn't found her in the kitchen either, where he had expected to find Anya working on leftovers from the feast.

Help me out here, Nine, he thought.

A Breton servant walked out of the kitchen just then with a yoke on her neck, two wooden buckets suspended from it. "B'Vehk and all the saints, the little princess wants a bath, she does. Next she'll be wantin' me to help polish her spear . . . ."

The servant couldn't understand why a lizard was standing in the dining room with one taloned thumb up, gazing at the ceiling.

Nice going, Dibella, you minx, thought Shaka. "Here, mother, I'll take those to the bath; you get some sleep," said Shaka. The servant had never met this strange Argonian, but gratefully surrendered the heated water.

Shaka walked to the lower level baths. "Your water's heated, miss," he said.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:09 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 06:02 PM)

"Good morning, Isidor," said the Queen Mother as she and her men took their seats and were waited on by the fast-on-their-feet servants. "Did you sleep well last night?"

Loranna emerges from the kitchen, smiling and supressing a couple chuckles. Seeing Isidor and Barenziah and Arynel, she says "Good morning Your Majesty, Arynel, Isidor; how is everyone?"

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 12:12 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 06:02 PM)

"Good morning, Isidor," said the Queen Mother as she and her men took their seats and were waited on by the fast-on-their-feet servants. "Did you sleep well last night?"

Isidor stopped eating for a moment and then said "I did not sleep much at all, ma'am. I was too restless...and worried."

QUOTE

Loranna emerges from the kitchen, smiling and supressing a couple chuckles. Seeing Isidor and Barenziah and Arynel, she says "Good morning Your Majesty, Arynel, Isidor; how is everyone?"

"Good morning, Loranna. How are you?".

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 12:14 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 04:06 PM)

Shaka walked to the lower level baths. "Your water's heated, miss," he said.

"Gah, Shaka don't you ever knock." Anya crossed her arms over lithe figure, feeling modest. Her tan cheeks turning red.

Sinking lower into the slightly murky water, she relaxed. "Your bringing fresh water? You didn't have to do that, you know. I just lost track of time."

Closing her eyes, "You can relax too if you want, I was just trying to find some measure of peace of mind, futile it seems, though."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:15 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:12 PM)

Isidor stopped eating for a moment and then said "I did not sleep much at all, ma'am. I was too restless...and worried."

"I am sorry to hear that," Barenziah frowned. "Nothing too serious I hope."

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 06:09 PM)

Loranna emerges from the kitchen, smiling and supressing a couple chuckles. Seeing Isidor and Barenziah and Arynel, she says "Good morning Your Majesty, Arynel, Isidor; how is everyone?"

"Very refreshed this morning, thanks to you, my Lady," Barenziah smiled.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:17 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:12 PM)

Isidor stopped eating for a moment and then said "I did not sleep much at all, ma'am. I was too restless...and worried."
"Good morning, Loranna. How are you?".

"I'm doing all right, thank you dear," Loranna says, sitting down and helping herself to some food.

She glances back and forth between Barenziah and Isidor, frowning a little herself.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 06:15 PM)

"I am sorry to hear that," Barenziah frowned. "Nothing too serious I hope."
"Very refreshed this morning, thanks to you, my Lady," Barenziah smiled.

A smile comes to Loranna's face for a moment. "I'm happy to hear that Your Majesty," she says, having caught sight of the line of guards outside earlier.

Posted by: syronj Today, 12:22 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 06:14 PM)

"Closing her eyes, "You can relax too if you want, I was just trying to find some measure of peace of mind, futile it seems, though."

Shaka looked fondly at her. This felt right somehow, not like a healer taking advantage of a patient. Anya was no child, and he wasn't her uncle. Shaka poured the fresh water into the tub and put the buckets down.

He thought she might have sneaked a glance when his robe hit the stone floor. Shaka lowered himself into the tub across from Anya.

"I take it your shoulder is doing much better. And if the raised eyebrow means what I think it does, let's just say that Argonian males and you have something in common -- both sheathed."

Her wavy blond hair trailed partly over the edge of the oaken tub. The others were probably starting breakfast by now.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:24 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 06:17 PM)

A smile comes to Loranna's face for a moment. "I'm happy to hear that Your Majesty," she says, having caught sight of the line of guards outside earlier.

One of the red-armored royal guards, a young Dunmer lad, probably a teenager, with handsome features and red-blond hair walked over to Loranna and the rest of the company and said, "I should have introduced myself earlier, my Lady Dres Loranna Pyrel. My name is --"

He paused a moment, swallowing, as if trying to remember his name. Barenziah burst out laughing.

"Goranthir," the young knight said, trying not to pay attention to the Queen Mother, who was trying to cover up her giggles with a napkin.

Posted by: Aki Today, 12:26 AM

Reichi slipped into the hall, with the silence and discretion of a assassin, well, as best as a former Assassin could in a hall so full of people. He quickly moved over to the table and sat down, one of the less busy, but still fast on their feet servants stopped and waited on him before continuing on their way.

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 12:26 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 06:15 PM)

"I am sorry to hear that," Barenziah frowned. "Nothing too serious I hope."

"Well, if I may be frank, I worry that your arrival may bring bad tidings for Ald Raathiam."

Posted by: Arynel Today, 12:26 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 04:24 PM)

Arynel eyed the Dunmer knight, whispering "If he was ever out of food he could use his stead for a meal," under his breath in jest.

The Breton said nothing out loud.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:28 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:26 PM)

"Well, if I may be frank, I worry that your arrival may bring bad tidings for Ald Raathiam."

"Oh dear, that's terrible," Barenziah, putting down her napkin, ceasing her giggles. She looked at him curiously. "Are you a prophet?"

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:30 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 06:24 PM)

Loranna grins, saying "A pelasure to meet you, Goranthir; welcome to Ald Raathim." Barenziah's giggles were hard to ignore, proving somewhat infectuous.

... Would this ... na - well, maybe, Loranna thinks to herself.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 06:28 PM)

"Oh dear, that's terrible," Barenziah, putting down her napkin, ceasing her giggles. She looked at him curiously. "Are you a prophet?"

Loranna starts to say "You are doubtless an exceptional mer to serve as part of the Queen's guard at so young an age," though her ears are turned more to the exchange between Isidor and Barenziah.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:32 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 06:30 PM)

"Thank you, milady," he said. His accent was unusual. Though he was clearly a Dunmer, he was obviously not from anyplace in Morrowind Loranna had been.

Goranthir's eyes narrowed slightly as they darted to the conversation Barenziah was having with Isidor.

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 12:32 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 06:28 PM)

"Oh dear, that's terrible," Barenziah, putting down her napkin, ceasing her giggles. She looked at him curiously. "Are you a prophet?"

"No, but if there's one thing I know, it's my gut feelings. I meant no offense to you, ma'am, but I cannot lie, it is not my way."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:38 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:32 PM)

"No, but if there's one thing I know, it's my gut feelings. I meant no offense to you, ma'am, but I cannot lie, it is not my way."

"I cannot allay your gut feelings," Barenziah shook her head.

"Barenziah has done more to protect this land over the last five hundred years than anyone," Goranthir growled. "You say you mean no offense, but you are being offensive, sir. Did you know that she is a Raathim? This land is named for her family!"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 12:38 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 04:22 PM)

Anya's ears perked up at that last comment and she almost giggled at his frankness, "How bold, you coy dog."

Splashing some water at him, her scars shining in stark contrast to the pool, she remarked, "I do suppose that modesty isn't quite the same for because of it."

Sinking back, and letting the water lap up the sides of her face, she was grateful for the intrusion. Anything that breaks up these lost tales is a good thing.

"And yes, my shoulder is better, the pain is gone, or at least I'm not able to feel it if it is there. Though it remains numb, it is much better alternative than pain."

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 12:39 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 06:38 PM)

"Perhaps you should calm down, sir. I meant no offense. I respect your Lady a great deal, but you seem to have no respect for a simple Nord."

Posted by: Arynel Today, 12:41 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 04:38 PM)

"... Did you know that she is a Raathim? This land is named for her family!"

"Is she now?" Arynel piped up, "I was not aware."

The Breton seemed to have taken an interest in the conversation.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:44 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:39 PM)

"Perhaps you should calm down, sir. I meant no offense. I respect your Lady a great deal, but you seem to have no respect for a simple Nord."

Loranna glances over at Barenziah, then clears her throat.

"Isidor, perhaps if we talked about your worries, gut-level though they be, you might find them alleviated," she says. "A civil conversation among civilized people can't be offensive, right? We sit at the breakfast table; we're on friendly terms here."

Posted by: syronj Today, 12:46 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 06:38 PM)

"Good." He hadn't felt this impulsive in a long time, too long. Shaka smiled to think of the day, not long ago, when his feet had pounded across the boardwalk as he prepared to save a woodelf maiden from what he thought was a standard cliffracer, though sky blue. She had turned to him with the those wide green eyes .... Thank the gods he hadn't speared Lotus that morning.

"I thanked the Lady with a letter for helping you. I know you're still haunted . . . " He tried to put it as gently as possible, despite the words: " . . . either by memories or actual ghosts, but we'll get through it. Come here for a second."

Anya looked down as a tail curled gently around her waist . . . .

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:47 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:39 PM)

"Perhaps you should calm down, sir. I meant no offense. I respect your Lady a great deal, but you seem to have no respect for a simple Nord."

Barenziah touched the young man's hand, and he sat down. His eyes were angry but his mouth was shut.

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 12:48 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 06:44 PM)

"Very well. I just believe, that having a Queen here, being such a powerful figure, will bring unwelcome attention to Ald Rathiaam."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:50 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:48 PM)

"Very well. I just believe, that having a Queen here, being such a powerful figure, will bring unwelcome attention to Ald Rathiaam."

"I am taking a tour over the entire kingdom," replied Barenziah. "I think attention will be equally split throughout. And I shant' be here for very much long. Another day or two at most."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:50 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:48 PM)

"Very well. I just believe, that having a Queen here, being such a powerful figure, will bring unwelcome attention to Ald Rathiaam."

"I see," Loranna says. "Isidor, Ald Raathim has already attracted unwelcome attention; Her Majesty's pressence can't add to that to any great degree."

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 12:52 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 06:50 PM)

"I am taking a tour over the entire kingdom," replied Barenziah. "I think attention will be equally split throughout. And I shant' be here for very much long. Another day or two at most."

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 06:50 PM)

"I see," Loranna says. "Isidor, Ald Raathim has already attracted unwelcome attention; Her Majesty's pressence can't add to that to any great degree."

Isidor replied with a nod, and said "Perhaps I should be going." he rose to his feet, and walked out of the hall.

Posted by: Arynel Today, 12:54 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 04:50 PM)

"I see," Loranna says. "Isidor, Ald Raathim has already attracted unwelcome attention; Her Majesty's pressence can't add to that to any great degree."

"The extra guards will most likely allay any thinking to act on ill borne schemes," Arynel added.

The Breton took a bite out of a sweetroll, watching, puzzled, as Isidor left.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:54 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:52 PM)

Isidor replied with a nod, and said "Perhaps I should be going." he rose to his feet, and walked out of the hall.

"Is that his way of saying he was wrong without an apology?" Garanthir whispered. Barenziah touched his hand, and shook her head.

Posted by: Aki Today, 12:55 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 06:52 PM)

Isidor replied with a nod, and said "Perhaps I should be going." he rose to his feet, and walked out of the hall.

"He's a bold one," Reichi muttered. "Luckily, he's lucky enough that it hasn't come back to bite him in the [censored] yet." Reichi smirked, before returning to his meal.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 12:56 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 04:46 PM)

Anya felt the rough scales curl around, and her eyes flaired. They were all too similar to worn bracers from her past. Memories of that castle flashed before her eyes.

She saw that lecherous master sneering. Watching the whips come down on her naked back. Felt the pain of losing herself forever. Her sister and those cold, empty eyes. The laughing as she was forced to do things no man should ever haved forced her to do.

A laugh filled her mind, cold and merciless.

"No, no! Go away, don't touch me anymore!" che cried out, not fully realizing if she was yelling at Shaka or her owner at this point.

Leaping out of the pool with adrenaline fueled agility, she threw on her robe and hurried back to her room, crying, and not caring who really saw her. Thankfully the path she took was well out of the way of where the others were having breakfast, and away form the entourage of the Queen. Slamming her door, she huddled in the corner behind her bed, leaving a befuddle Shaka behind.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:59 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Aug 3 2005, 06:55 PM)

"He's a bold one," Reichi muttered. "Luckily, he's lucky enough that it hasn't come back to bite him in the [censored] yet." Reichi smirked, before returning to his meal.

Loranna watches Isidor leave with a furrowed brow, sipping her wine and thinking to herself That's the second time now ...

"Isidor is a man with strong passions under the surface," she mutters. "He is forthright, which is among the better qualities a man can possess - though his is perhaps not yet tempered."

She sighs. "I'll speak with him later," she says, sipping her wine again.

Posted by: Arynel Today, 01:00 AM

“Would you expect a Nord to be anything but bold and blundering?” Arynel asked, adding “there are, of course, exceptions,” before the Breton finished his sweetroll.

Posted by: syronj Today, 01:01 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 06:56 PM)

Leaping out of the pool with adrenaline fueled agility, she threw on her robe and hurried back to her room, crying, and not caring who really saw her. Thankfully the path she took was well out of the way of where the others were having breakfast, and away form the entourage of the Queen. Slamming her door, she huddled in the corner behind her bed, leaving a befuddle Shaka behind.

Shaka hung his head for a second. Fool, he thought. It's too soon, she's not really healed yet.

Dressing again, Shaka hurried to the guest wing and paused before Anya's door. He hesitated for a moment, then knocked.

"Anya," he said softly. "I'm sorry."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:03 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 06:59 PM)

"Isidor is a man with strong passions under the surface," she mutters. "He is forthright, which is among the better qualities a man can possess - though his is perhaps not yet tempered."

She sighs. "I'll speak with him later," she says, sipping her wine again.

"I apologize if I insulted your guest," Garanthir said to Loranna, his head bowed. "I too am perhaps too forthright."

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 01:11 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 05:01 PM)

The intensity of the memories had passed, but the cold mocking laughter remained. It wouldn't let her so easily brush away nightmare. It was becoming to much to bear, and affecting her too much in her day to day affairs.

Sniffling, she stood up. She through on her worn, padded clothing she customarily put on underneath her armor and opened the door.

"Shaka..."

She become putting her armor on. The thin layer the gown affored made her feel extremely naked in public, after years of becoming accustomed to the weight og the armor. Some measure of happiness came when she put the pauldron on without much difficulty.

"I don't know what's real and what's a nightmare anymore."

Slinging her bow and spear across her back and strapping her small quiver to her waste, she stared at her reflect Glass Curaiss. I still need to darken it, it reflects too much in light for my purposes.

Sitting down on her bed, she stared at the doorway and the large lizard it framed, confused and feeling alone again.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:15 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 07:03 PM)

"I apologize if I insulted your guest," Garanthir said to Loranna, his head bowed. "I too am perhaps too forthright."

Loranna gives a reassuring smile. "Apology accepted," she says, reaching for a sweetroll of her own.

"Anyway, on to more pleasant topics of conversation," she says, taking a bite. "Your Majesty, what would you like to do next? Have you had a chance to peruse our library or to see our herb garden?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 07:15 PM)

"No, that sounds delightful," said Barenziah. "And I'd also like to see the parrapton pen. Maybe take a ride for old times' sake."

Posted by: syronj Today, 01:22 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 07:11 PM)

"I don't know what's real and what's a nightmare anymore."

Slinging her bow and spear across her back and strapping her small quiver to her waste, she stared at her reflect Glass Curaiss. I still need to darken it, it reflects too much in light for my purposes.

Sitting down on her bed, she stared at the doorway and the large lizard it framed, confused and feeling alone again.

Shaka sat down on Anya's bed for a moment. "I'm sorry, Anya. I shouldn't push you too fast. I hate what the slavers did to you . . . ."

He closed his eyes for a moment. Shaka had to leave the room soon, her scent was too good. Men and mer would never know the intensity of an Argonian or Khajiit sense of smell. Clean Bosmer overlaid by the scented oils from days in the past, quilted armor long broken-in, the smell of grief and confusion . . . .

"I'll be around for you if you still want. As long as it takes. Forgive me, Anya."

Shaka got up and returned to his room to dress.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:24 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 07:18 PM)

"No, that sounds delightful," said Barenziah. "And I'd also like to see the parrapton pen. Maybe take a ride for old times' sake."

"I haven't had a chance to go riding for a while now; that's an excellent suggestion," Loranna says. "I'll let the stables know to expect us."

She pops the rest of the sweetroll into her mouth and wipes the sugar from her lips. "You'd think after last night's cake I'd be set on sweets for a month," she jokes.

Posted by: Arynel Today, 01:24 AM

“It is quite a fascination that in the midst of her political dealings, coalescing power for her son, dealing with incarnated cultural heroes, and the like, the queen is able still to find time for a ride on the back of an oversized insectoid.” Arynel said.

The Breton picked up another sweetroll.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:28 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 3 2005, 07:24 PM)

Barenziah laughs. "I didn't get this old without knowing when it was time to have some fun."

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 01:29 AM

Isidor sat on the bluff above the water, near Ald Rathiaam. He looked over at the waves, the sun shining brightly over the waves.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 01:29 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 05:22 PM)

Her voice to low to be heard by the Argonian as he left, she whispered, "I'll try to."

Pulling her blonde hair tightly into a bun again, she stared into the mirror, gazing at the two cherries tattooed to her cheek.

After a moment, she stood up and decided to get something to eat. Walking to the dining room, she encountered the members still eating breakfast.

Spying the queen, she managed a stiff curtsy, hindered by her armor and the fact that she's done this once or twice before. "Good morning, Queen Mother." Nodding her head to Loranna, "Mi'lady."

Passing Reichi, she noticed a new Breton that she hadn't met, "Hello Reichi, and who is this Breton? One I haven't met before."

Posted by: Arynel Today, 01:31 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 05:28 PM)

Barenziah laughs. "I didn't get this old without knowing when it was time to have some fun."

Arynel smiled.

“Those who never sing are not worth talking to, those who never dance are not worth walking with, and those who never laugh are not worth crying with,” the Breton said.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:31 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 07:29 PM)

"And if not for him I would not be here today," Loranna says, glancing at Arynel with raised eyebrows and a small 'You Scoundrel' twinkle in her eye.

"Hello Anya; please, join us," Loranna says. "Is your shoulder all right, dear?"

Posted by: syronj Today, 01:34 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 07:29 PM)

Passing Reichi, she noticed a new Breton that she hadn't met, "Hello Reichi, and who is this Breton? One I haven't met before."

Shaka came down to breakfast dressed in his formal Telvanni robe, the glass dagger on his belt but discreetly concealed. After greeting, and bowing to, the Dowager Queen and Loranna, he glanced somberly at Anya, picking a chair by Reichi.

Who's the pretty mer, he thought, glancing at the redhead. A thought came to his head with alarming speed: you don't suppose Barenziah is trying to make a match for Loranna ... .

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 01:34 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 05:31 PM)

"Hello Anya; please, join us," Loranna says. "Is your shoulder all right, dear?"

"I think I will. It's been an unpleasant night. My shoulder, however, remains numb. A much better improvment over the pain, I thank you for it."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:35 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 3 2005, 07:31 PM)

Arynel smiled.

“Those who never sing are not worth talking to, those who never dance are not worth walking with, and those who never laugh are not worth crying with,” the Breton said.

"Once again, your guests insult me by being wittier than myself," Barenziah laughed, looking at Loranna. Back to Arynel, she said. "Besides, it's strategic. I can't stay in here all day when people need to talk about me behind my back."

Now it was Goranthir's turn to laugh into his napkin.

Posted by: Arynel Today, 01:37 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 05:35 PM)

Not bothering to pick his napkin up, Arynel laughed outright. Bits of not yet swallowed sweetroll landed on the Breton's plate.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 01:41 AM

"Ladies and gentlemen, the fate of the world rests on these shoulders," Loranna says with a laugh, raising her glass in a jocular toast. "We'll make sure the history books record all this as grave and intrigue-laden subterfuge so the next generation can be awed and mystified."

She does, however, look over at Anya with a furrow in her brow. "Still having troubled sleep?" she asks.

Posted by: Arynel Today, 01:42 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 05:41 PM)

"You would put future schoolchildren to sleep?" Arynel said, "You are quite vile."

The Breton chuckled, and finished his second sweetroll.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 01:44 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 05:34 PM)

Who's the pretty mer, he thought, glancing at the redhead. A thought came to his head with alarming speed: you don't suppose Barenziah is trying to make a match for Loranna ... .

Anya followed his glance to the Dunmer gaurd. Hmph, a pretty face he has. What's it for. For one who had used her own innocent and nearly child-like face to get what she wanted, mistrust easy to come by for those that were pretty as well.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 05:41 PM)

She does, however, look over at Anya with a furrow in her brow. "Still having troubled sleep?" she asks.

"A troubled sleep would be an understatement. It's only grown worse, and now a laughter mocks me, even when awake, though should we talk about this in front of our dignified guest?"

Posted by: syronj Today, 01:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 07:41 PM)

She does, however, look over at Anya with a furrow in her brow. "Still having troubled sleep?" she asks.

"She was poorly advised by me, Dres Loranna," said Shaka, looking over at Anya. "The shoulder is much better, however, and thank you for it."

Posted by: Aki Today, 01:45 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 07:29 PM)

Passing Reichi, she noticed a new Breton that she hadn't met, "Hello Reichi, and who is this Breton? One I haven't met before."

"Arynel," Reichi replied, "A breton with a tongue sharper than any blade, silver or not." He raised his glass to the toast jokingly, before taking a sip from it.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 01:49 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Aug 3 2005, 05:45 PM)

"Arynel," Reichi replied, "A breton is a tongue sharper than any blade, silver or not." He raised his glass to the toast jokingly, before taking a sip from it.

"A pleasure to meet you, Arynel. I'm Anya. Though I may not have a sharp wit or quick tongue like so many I now know, you may notice that a sweetroll is missing from your plate." Smiling, she takes a bite out of a sweetroll.

Posted by: Arynel Today, 01:51 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 05:49 PM)

Arynel looked up at Anya and smiled, saying, "Had I so desired it would still be on my plate, I assure you."

"You seem troubled," the Breton said, more seriously, weaving a calm spell into his voice "be at ease, I say, be at peace while we have company."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:53 AM

Goranthir bowed to Anya. "Goranthir of the Royal Guard at your service, milady. I am sorry you're feeling poorly."

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 02:00 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 3 2005, 05:51 PM)

Arynel looked up at Anya and smiled, saying, "Had I so desired it would still be on my plate, I assure you."

"If I had a nickel everytime I've heard a mage say that one, I wouldn't be a theif, now would I."

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 3 2005, 05:51 PM)

"You seem troubled," the Breton said, more seriously, weaving a calm spell into his voice "be at ease, I say, be at peace while we have company."

The memories in her mind blurred and the laughter became fuzzy. The hollow look in her eyes became less haunted sorrow and more empty. "How, how did you do that?"

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 05:53 PM)

Goranthir bowed to Anya. "Goranthir of the Royal Guard at your service, milady. I am sorry you're feeling poorly."

Shaking her head slightly, she did admit to herself that he pulled off the loyal gaurd look well. "It's nothing to concern yourself with, and your Lady neither. Just the lamentations of a wood elf. A pleasure to meet you, to be sure." She flashed him a smile.

Posted by: Arynel Today, 02:03 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 06:00 PM)

"If I had a nickel everytime I've heard a mage say that one, I wouldn't be a theif, now would I."

The memories in her mind blurred and the laughter became fuzzy. The hollow look in her eyes became less haunted sorrow and more empty. "How, how did you do that?"

"I know a bit of magic, friend," Arynel said, "though I assure you I am no mage, but a humble traveler only."

"Which would be the answer to your second question," the Breton added, "or the one I will give you."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 02:12 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 08:00 PM)

Goranthir smiles back, and then looked away. It wouldn't do to be too flirtatious, not here and now, he told himself.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 02:16 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 3 2005, 06:03 PM)

A humble traveler? I doubt he's simply a humble traveler that knows a few magic tricks. I'll leave it at that though. He did help me, after all. "Fair enough. We all seem to have our secrets, and it's only curteous to let matters be."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 02:19 AM

Loranna gives a smile which does not quite touch her eyes, but it lasts but a moment. She sips her wine and looks over at the Dunmer guard curiously ...

... but doesn't really notice him until the next topic

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna