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

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:19 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 Queen Mother Barenziah. After a dinner with a truely historic dessert, Loranna was approached privately by the Queen, who revealed her hopes that Ald Raathim would become Helseth's ally. While she is thinking over this proposal, and waiting for a chance to discuss it with her friends, Loranna is being reminded why she loves her friends so at the breakfast table

She also is curious as to the purpose of the handsome Dunmer Royal Guard, Goranthir ...

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 02:20 AM

OOC:

The Breton Arynel is currently in the dinning hall at Ald Raathim.

Posted by: Aki Yesterday, 02:23 AM

OOC

Like many others, Reichi the Dunmer Ex-Assassin/Werewolf, is in the dinning hall, enjoying breakfast and the odd bit of conversation.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 02:25 AM

Summary: Anya is eating breakfast with the Queen Mother, Loranna, and a few others.

QUOTE

Goranthir smiles back, and then looked away. It wouldn't do to be too flirtatious, not here and now, he told himself.

Anya watches him glance. Either he's shy for one of such high stature, or he isn't here to flirt with any girl that catches his fancy.

Letting that go, she went back to her meal.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:32 AM

Summary:

Barenziah, the Queen Mother and currently the Regent of Morrowind while her son King Helseth lies dying in Mournhold is apparently on a mission to consolidate the kingdom's warring factions. She is, as has been stated, in Ald Raathim, and will shortly be amusing herself, leaving Loranna time to think about her proposal and discuss it with others.

Of all the royal guards present, only Goranthir has introduced himself, and shown himself fiercely loyal to the Queen, but not without a sense of humor. He is young and handsome, a Dunmer with red-blond hair, and a decidedly unMorrowind accent.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:54 AM

As breakfast draws to an end Loranna says "Goranthir, if I may ask a question or two of you ..."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 02:57 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 08:54 PM)

As breakfast draws to an end Loranna says "Goranthir, if I may ask a question or two of you ..."

"At your command, milady," the knight smiled, and then, in a lower voice, "You mean privately?"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 02:59 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 08:57 PM)

"At your command, milady," the knight smiled, and then, in a lower voice, "You mean privately?"

"Only if you are shy about speaking of your background, serjo," Loranna says, raising her eyebrows but keeping her voice low. "I was just curious; your accent is not one I recognize, and - well, your blond highlights ..."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 02:59 AM

As Isidor sat on the bluff, he thought for a moment, then he stood up, took off his cloak, and jumped.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 03:05 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 08:59 PM)

"Oh, that," Goranthir grinned. "I grew up on Summerset."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:08 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 09:05 PM)

"Oh, that," Goranthir grinned. "I grew up on Summerset."

"Ah, I see," Loranna says, smiling a bit. "How interesting ... what is Summerset like?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 03:09 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 09:08 PM)

"Ah, I see," Loranna says, smiling a bit. "How interesting ... what is Summerset like?"

Goranthir thought a moment: "Clean. Beautiful. Peaceful. Incredibly dull."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 03:11 AM

ooc summary:

Tris, a young male Breton, has recently arrived at Ald Raathim from... elsewhere... with a message for Nalion. He spoke privately with Barenziah, a meeting which netted him a piece of lovely jewelry and a head full of wild thoughts.

ic:

Tris usually woke with the dawn in time to run before breakfast. However, he had been a long way away; was it possible to come from so far away that even the sun and moons were out of sync?

It had taken him half the night to fall asleep. Once asleep, he stayed asleep. Now he awoke gradually, wondering vaguely, in his half-conscious state, why Ciel hadn't woken him.

Because Ciel's dead, you fool, his body stiff as his beard, he'll never wake you again until you both wake in paradise...

Ciel wasn't dead. Ciel's not dead! he thought, suddenly wide awake and panicked. Just sleeping, damn it, just sleeping.

"[censored]," he said out loud. The windows were shuttered. "What time is it?"

Fifteen minutes later, bathed and more or less dressed, he joined the others.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:15 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 09:09 PM)

Goranthir thought a moment: "Clean. Beautiful. Peaceful. Incredibly dull."

"Three out of four is pretty darn good?" Loranna asks, eyebrows raised, her lips curling into a smile, hoping the joke went over well.

As Tris enters, Loranna says to Goranthir "I would be interested to hear more of Summerset, if you were inclined to tell later ... Tris dear, good morning!"

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 03:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 09:11 PM)

Fifteen minutes later, bathed and more or less dressed, he joined the others.

"Good morning, my dear Tris," Barenziah smiled. She looked him steadily in the eyes.

"Tris Gaerington," said Goranthir, shaking Tris's hand. "Goranthir. I've heard so much about you. Here, take my seat. I should be on patrol."

The knight gave up the seat next to Barenziah.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 09:15 PM)

As Tris enters, Loranna says to Goranthir "I would be interested to hear more of Summerset, if you were inclined to tell later ... "

"Of course, anything you want to hear. I'll even try to make it entertaining."

Posted by: Dumbkid Yesterday, 03:20 AM

A tentacle limbed lobster of mannish proportions leapt out of the water, and glided through the air. He saw a Nord swimming alone in the water, and approached him.

“Do you have any tasties?” The Dreugh asked Isidor. “Samuel likes tasties.”

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 03:21 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 08:15 PM)

"Is it still morning?" Tris said, grinning and kissing her on the cheek. "I'm sorry I missed breakfast."

He marked Goranthir with his eyes. Remarkably pretty fellow. Too pretty to be a coincidence. That's one, he thought. "Thank you," he said to Goronthir. "Tris Gaerington."

"Good morning, your majesty," he said, bowing slightly. Without the hint of a blush. Good.

He took the seat that had been offered.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 03:23 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Aug 3 2005, 09:20 PM)

Isidor was starteled for a moment and then said "Nah, no tasties. Just some nord meat." he laughed, then swam backwards.

Posted by: Dumbkid Yesterday, 03:24 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 3 2005, 09:23 PM)

Isidor was starteled for a moment and then said "Nah, no tasties. Just some nord meat." he laughed, then swam backwards.

The Dreugh cocked his head to the side.

"No tasties? Samuel go away then."

With a splash, the Dreugh disappeared beneath the waves.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 03:25 AM

QUOTE(Dumbkid @ Aug 3 2005, 09:24 PM)

The Dreugh cocked his head to the side.

"No tasties? Samuel go away then."

With a splash, the Dreugh disappeared beneath the waves.

Isidor watched as the dreugh swam away, his tentacles dissapearing out of sight. He swam backwards, then closed his eyes.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:26 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 09:21 PM)

"It's morning still and we're having a lazy breakfast," Loranna assures Tris, pecking him on the cheek back. "Good to see you again dear ..."

Loranna's eyes said it all; she had a lot to tell the handsome Breton, later, when there was more time and less company.

Loranna sips her wine, thinking back to last night and Barenziah's comment about her gift; just what had Tris done, not twelve hours back from wherever he had been? Truly he was the fastest man in High Rock ...

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 03:28 AM

Arynel smiled when Tris entered.

"It has been quite some time," the Breton said softly, "I do hope this is an sign of more to come."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 03:29 AM

"I will leave the sweetrolls and the breakfast to you," Barenziah said. "Goranthir, will you accompany me to the herb garden? We should let them talk freely."

Goranthir nodded, and with a wave, escorted the Queen Mother out of the dining room. The other royal guards had long since left to their patrols around the castle.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 03:36 AM

Shaka sat at breakfast, his face impassive but inwardly close to seething. Two pretty boys at breakfast, who seemed to have as much intimacy with Loranna as did Slyvos, or with any other female in the room who caught their fancy.

Lords of bloody creation, he thought to himself. He hated feeling self-pity like this. Obviously at least one of the newcomers had long adventured with Loranna and her group.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:42 AM

Loranna waits until she's sure the Queen is out of earshot, then she sighs and finishes the last of her wine.

"Oh, hi everyone," she says, looking a little tired. "We have a bit to talk about, if you all don't mind ..."

She looks around the table, questionly.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 03:44 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 3 2005, 08:28 PM)

Arynel smiled when Tris entered.

"It has been quite some time," the Breton said softly, "I do hope this is an sign of more to come."

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 3 2005, 08:29 PM)

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 08:36 PM)

Tris rose, bowed again, and tried not to watch the Queen out of sight.

Then he grinned at Arynel.

"Didn't get to greet you properly last night," he said, and embraced him, thumping him on the back. He finished by ruffling Arynel's hair - which made no discernable difference.

"They miss you," he said. "But you're needed here, as I understand it. Anchor to the world, or some such thing. Who's this?"

He turned to Shaka. Normally he was good at reading other people, but he wasn't familiar with Argonians and their expressions.

"Tris," he said, offering his hand.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 03:45 AM

"Hmph, I'm not to sure I like this gaurd fellow. Entirely to pretty." Anya looks up, "He seems to use his looks to try to get his way, or rather his Queens way."

"And who is this pretty new face that seems to know the Lady so well?"

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 03:48 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 09:44 PM)

He turned to Shaka. Normally he was good at reading other people, but he wasn't familiar with Argonians and their expressions.

"Tris," he said, offering his hand.

Shaka shook his hand; the rest of the group would have sensed he was doing so grudgingly. "Shaka."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 03:52 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 09:48 PM)

Shaka shook his hand; the rest of the group would have sensed he was doing so grudgingly. "Shaka."

Loranna blinks, her brow furrowing yet again.

"Anya, this is Tris, one of the people who helped fight the Azurites during the Blue Dawn," Loranna says. "He and I were part of the mission to recover the artifact Flamekiss, in order to stop Azura."

She looks over at Shaka, her eyes posing an unaired question.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 03:56 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 08:52 PM)

This was far from the first time Tris had heard the word "pretty" used as an insult. He handled it, as always, by pretending it had been intended as a compliment.

"Anya," he said, bowing to her. "I don't want to get on your bad side; Bosmer girls scare me."

He laughed. But it was the truth. Mirea, his companion in Solunastra, was one of the few people who could take him down without half-trying.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 04:03 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 07:52 PM)

"Anya, this is Tris, one of the people who helped fight the Azurites during the Blue Dawn," Loranna says. "He and I were part of the mission to recover the artifact Flamekiss, in order to stop Azura."

"Azurites." she spat vehemently, her eyes flaring for a minute, but quickly settled back to the haunted look she had held for the past two weeks.

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 07:56 PM)

"I highly doubt your the sort of person to afraid of a mere girl, dear Tris, especially one such as I. Loranna seems to collect company of more capable people than that, especially from Blue Dawn. It is a pleasure to meet you though." Smiling, she cave him a curteous nod.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 04:06 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 09:03 PM)

"Azurites." she spat vehemently, her eyes flaring for a minute, but quickly settled back to the haunted look she had held for the past two weeks.
"I highly doubt your the sort of person to afraid of a mere girl, dear Tris, especially one such as I. Loranna seems to collect company of more capable people than that, especially from Blue Dawn. It is a pleasure to meet you though." Smiling, she cave him a curteous nod.

"Looks can be deceiving," Tris said. "Bosriel is only a little girl, yet there's no more formidable enemy on the face of Tamriel right now. But that's another story for another day."

He glanced after Barenziah and her guards.

"Speaking of age - you shouldn't speak so disrespectfully of her majesty. Those lips of hers have kissed the lips of Tiber Septim. She can handle a little flattery from her own guard, I think."

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 04:19 AM

Isidor swam a little father, then layed flat on his back, his eyes shut. He floated along, past the castle. He began to hum as he floated, then he began to sing:

Oh, oceans wide and blue
connecting everyone,
me and you
sun sparkiling brightly,
across the waves,
flowing, slowly across the lands
flowing, slowly through the planes
Oh, oceans wide and blue
if you leave, I'll follow you
no matter the distance,
no matter how far,
I'll follow your path,
I'll look to the stars
Sun shining brightly,
high above
filled with the warm
glow of true love
follow me farther,
wherever we go
I'd follow you,
this much you know
flowing slowly,
through the lands
following me slowly

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 04:21 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 08:06 PM)

"Or they can show exactly what they mean. A timid girl that only excels as a common theif. I'm nothing special Tris, just and able body capable of getting by. You're air of carefreeness says otherwise about you." Stuffing another sweetroll in her mouth, she sat back.

"As for the Queen. I have the utmost respect. She was a theif herself, no? Royal lineage or not, she can take care of herself."

I just have a natural distrust of anyone that speaks eloquently. In my experience, their the ones that get you to say what they what and that person remains none the wiser. Or for pretty faces for that matter. I personally know what can be done when one only has to flash a bright smile."

I have no disrespect for the Queen Mother herself, my distrust is universal. As for the guard, I doubt she has to worry about him. A women of her stature, backgroun, and skills is more than capable of seeing through a bright smile. I'm more inclined to think she's using him as well, without him even realizing maybe."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 04:25 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 09:21 PM)

"Of course she's using him; he works for her."

Tris smiled ingenuously.

"I guess it's lucky I'm a clumsy speaker, so you only have one reason to mistrust me."

He turned to Loranna. "We're walking all over you, aren't we? You had... um... business. Or something. Right?"

He winked.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 04:35 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 3 2005, 10:21 PM)

Isidor began to sing again, though he knew no one could hear him:

Curious bosmer, name begun with A
she can't sleep at night,
and fights the through the days
her feelings for S are becoming quite clear
she holds him close, she holds him dear

Oh, S, oh S, dear Argonian, bold and courageous
his skills are reknowned, his deeds outrageous
he weilds the spear, of the daM doG
Some say he's a lizard, some say he's a frog

Arynel, tounge sharp as swords
he bows to no master, no lords
his methods are foggy,
his mission unclear
there is nothing this Breton holds dear
some say he's arrogant, some say he condescends
But only lneyrA knows the truth

Loranna, Loranna, both wise and fair
skin dark as ash, with golden, long hair
herione and ruler, friend of the people
she makes men weak,
and women envy
sosvlyS

Reichi, werewolf, and dunmer
rouge, assasin, friend, and lover
quick with a dagger, quick with a claw
quick he'll unstrap, your lover's bra
ikA

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 04:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 10:25 PM)

Loranna coughs a bit, giving Tris a Look Of Nordic Female Doom that he knew by heart. "I should have remembered, when one group of friends meets another, the first thing to do is to give everyone time to get to know one another," she says.

"I do wish to talk to you all about the Queen however; specifically, her goals for her visit," she continues. "She hopes for Ald Raathim to be loyal to the throne of Morrowind - in her own words, above your Empire, House, or Temple, though she did admit right after that that was her wish, and that people rarely have modest wishes. She also assured me that she - and Helseth - are not planning any sort of rebellion or coup."

She pauses, letting her companions react.

Posted by: Dumbkid Yesterday, 04:51 AM

A little Bosmer with rosy red cheeks happened to be skipping through the garden at that moment; he played a small ditty on his flute, then removing the instrument from his lips he began to sing.

All the little scoundrels
And they have so many names
Go about their dealings
And all their evil ways
As the days they do continue
And the nights are no exception
So busy with their scheming
There is no time for reflection
On the morals they ignore
For being good is such a bore
But worry not yourself in this
Join in every single one
In the revelry commencing
For our evilness is only that
Of a joke a kid and a jest
We mean no harm to anyone
But we’re liars nonetheless
So tip your tankard eagerly
And take a slice of cake
There will be time enough for mourning
When the mourning time doth break
So while the season is with us
Full of plenty and good cheer
Let us take advantage
Of the wonder always near

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 04:55 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 08:46 PM)

“A queen at work consolidating her kingdom,” Arynel said with a smile, “what wonder of happenings! It is truly miraculous indeed!”

The Breton chuckled to himself.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 04:58 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 10:46 PM)

"I do wish to talk to you all about the Queen however; specifically, her goals for her visit," she continues. "She hopes for Ald Raathim to be loyal to the throne of Morrowind - in her own words, above your Empire, House, or Temple, though she did admit right after that that was her wish, and that people rarely have modest wishes. She also assured me that she - and Helseth - are not planning any sort of rebellion or coup."

She pauses, letting her companions react.

Shaka said, "Who is the guard who seems to have the Queen Mother's favor?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 05:07 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 09:58 PM)

Shaka said, "Who is the guard who seems to have the Queen Mother's favor?"

"My guess is he's just that and no more," Tris said. "She's a queen; she can afford to surround herself with pretty things."

He looked at Loranna.

"I'm not sure I'm qualified to have an opinion about what Ald Raathim does. But I want to save Helseth's life. For my own reasons."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 05:14 AM

"I swear, I am going to get an enchanted pillow on a stick just for hitting you over the head Arnyel dear," Loranna says, her tone half-joking. "Yes, what wonder of wonders; I still figured I should discuss it with my friends ..."

"Shaka, his name is Goranthir; he's from Summerset he says," Loranna tells the Argonian. "I tend to agree with Tris's assessement; he's Her Majesty's pretty guard, he's a bit rash, and he's a flirt."

She looks over to Tris and says "Well, I still value your opinion. As for Helseth ... the Queen seemed very sure that Helseth would pull through. Perhaps that's a mother's refusal to see her son wither away and die talking, but she had a knowing look. Not sure if that affects your agenda, whatever it may be."

She sits back, pouring herself another glass of wine. "She's even gotten one of the most conservative of House Dres to start seeing things her way," she comments. "And to be honest, Ald Raathim has enough enemies as it is; I'm not eager to add more to the number."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 05:20 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 11:14 PM)

She sits back, pouring herself another glass of wine. "She's even gotten one of the most conservative of House Dres to start seeing things her way," she comments. "And to be honest, Ald Raathim has enough enemies as it is; I'm not eager to add more to the number."

"If it matters what I think, I don't see a major problem in going along with Barenziah," said Shaka. "The Empire is said to be weak now; it's not as if you'd be defying them at the height of their power."

"As for Helseth, either she has good healers, is fooling herself, or else she has something else in mind. Lady, may I ask: how difficult would it be for her to put Helseth's mind in another body?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 05:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 10:14 PM)

Tris had also been certain Helseth would not die, for reasons of his own, difficult to explain in daylight. But Barenziah - he started to open his mouth, thought, blushed, and shut it again.

"I'm not sure Helseth is the greatest power in Morrowind," Tris said. "There's still the New Temple, which is reorganizing, and gaining power. But if he wants to consolidate, now is the time. And he's not very traditionalist, is he? I imagine he scares most Dunmer. And so does Barenziah, Queen of... not here, for a great many years."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 05:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 11:22 PM)

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 11:20 PM)

Loranna looks a bit nonplussed. "Er, I've no clue how one goes about doing it," she says, blinking. "I don't think Barenziah is thinking along those lines ..."

She pauses, frowning, remembering Barenziah's glances at Slyvos. She mutters " ... Nahhhh ..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 05:34 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 10:30 PM)

Loranna raises a curious eyebrow at Tris's blush.

"No, neither he nor, I gather, his mother are very traditionalist," she says. "And technically, neither am I by most Dunmer standards. It also doesn't help that I know the New Temple's higher ups ..."

She glances over at Arnyel, then back at Tris. "Out of curiosity, have Allie or Solin ever said anything one way or another about Helseth?" she asks.
Loranna looks a bit nonplussed. "Er, I've no clue how one goes about doing it," she says, blinking. "I don't think Barenziah is thinking along those lines ..."

She pauses, frowning, remembering Barenziah's glances at Slyvos. She mutters " ... Nahhhh ..."

"The General thinks that Helseth is the perfect king for the Dunmer - black hearted, scheming, and ruthless. She also wonders why he's not yet married," Tris said.

There was more to that; what Allie had said was, I imagine he must be very lonely... I wonder if he knows he is.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 05:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 11:34 PM)

"The General thinks that Helseth is the perfect king for the Dunmer - black hearted, scheming, and ruthless. She also wonders why he's not yet married," Tris said.

Not everyone is suited to be a parent, thought Shaka. I've known that about myself for a long time.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 05:55 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 11:34 PM)

"Well when you put it that way any reservations I have sound silly," Loranna says, chuckling just a little. "And yes, I was wondering much the same thing this morning, now that you mention it."

Loranna looks back to Shaka, who seems to be lost in thought. "Well, then, did anyone else have any thoughts on the matter? I tend to think that my already-established enemies won't be any less inclined to come after us here if I refused, so ..."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 06:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 11:55 PM)

Loranna looks back to Shaka, who seems to be lost in thought. "Well, then, did anyone else have any thoughts on the matter? I tend to think that my already-established enemies won't be any less inclined to come after us here if I refused, so ..."

"Dres Loranna, my opinion means nothing, but I think we are missing something. Would Arynel have any ideas along those lines; or perhaps we should ask Nalion sometime."

"I respect Queen Barenziah, but she has told you only as much as it pleased her to say."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 06:02 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 3 2005, 10:00 PM)

Arynel looked up.

“My concerns of mortal kingdoms and political structure are trifle,” the Breton said.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 06:06 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 3 2005, 11:02 PM)

Arynel looked up.

“My concerns of mortal kingdoms and political structure are trifle,” the Breton said.

"Kingdoms are made up of people, and people aren't trifles," Tris said. "Arynel, I caught your speech at dinner last night. You're lucky the General wasn't there to turn you over her lap and spank you."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 06:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 10:06 PM)

Arynel's face went red, and he slumped down in his seat. The Breton opened his mouth as if to speak, but nothing came out.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:10 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 12:00 AM)

"I imagine so; I'm the one who tends to babble on," Loranna says with a slight smile. "I tend to agree she's not telling us the whole picture; I'm simply trying to determine if that's out of avoiding boring me with unneded details or due to something else."

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 12:06 AM)

"He's got you there ..." Loranna mutters under her breath.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 06:10 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 4 2005, 12:07 AM)

Arynel's face went red, and he slumped down in his seat. The Breton opened his mouth as if to speak, but nothing came out.

"It was unfair of me to single out Arynel; he's oracular by nature, and Oracles are required to be vague, it's their profession."

"Dres Loranna, I've said enough. We may as well align with Barenziah."

It doesn't matter anyway, Shaka thought.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:19 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 12:10 AM)

Loranna makes a mental note to speak with Shaka privately later; the Argonain seemed to be in an unusual mood.

... That would make Isidor, Anya, and Shaka all being down in one way or another, Loranna realizes with a start. Have I been missing something obvious going on? Or is it just an unlucky star ...

"Well, I do intend to talk to Nalion at least about this," Loranna says. "I am leaning towards agreeing though; it seems the best course of action."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 06:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 11:19 PM)

"Barenziah's a sharp one," Tris said. "She came here because she knows the real power is here. All real power in Tamriel has always belonged to adventurers; this is the Arena. Unlike Helseth who treated us all like dirt."

He seemed to be thinking more than he was saying.

"Arynel, since when do you let me rebuke you? When you act like that I want to come over there and spank you myself. What I mean is the big 'I am the inheritor of Vivec' speech. Sure you are, everyone who's awake knows that. But how did you get that way? I'm thinking it's nothing to hold over anyone's head."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 06:28 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 10:23 PM)

Arynel frowned, his usually adept tongue unable to form words.

“I am merely restless,” the Breton said at last, “anxious, arrogant, and lonely.”

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 06:32 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 12:23 AM)

"Arynel, since when do you let me rebuke you? When you act like that I want to come over there and spank you myself. What I mean is the big 'I am the inheritor of Vivec' speech. Sure you are, everyone who's awake knows that. But how did you get that way? I'm thinking it's nothing to hold over anyone's head."

Shaka heard this with a feeling of unreality. So Arynel had Vivec's mandate now? He could see him as Sotha Sil perhaps . . . No, this was enough.

"May I be excused? I'm sorry to take your time."

When Shaka got to his room, he picked up the Dragonbone Cuirass and hurled it at the wall, cracking the stone. Shaka stood facing the wall, his claws clenching.

No bloody good, no good, he was just a lizard. Just another swamptrotter.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:36 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 12:32 AM)

Loranna blinks as Shaka leaves.

" ... What was I saying earlier about old friends getting to know new friends?" she asks nobody in particular. "Nine above ..."

She shifts, almost getting up, then stops, frowning.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 06:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 10:36 PM)

"Nine above ..."

"Above?" Arynel said, "Such a quaint notion, and true only in terms of geometry."

The Breton smiled at Tris, "I will be as I will be."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 06:40 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 3 2005, 11:38 PM)

"Above?" Arynel said, "Such a quaint notion, and true only in terms of geometry."

The Breton smiled at Tris, "I will be as I will be."

"Go after him, Loranna," Tris said.

"Arynel, what I mean is that the man I used to know cared about other people. He wanted to lift them UP, not lord it over them. It's damned lonely looking down at the tops of people's heads."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 12:40 AM)

Loranna nods, giving Arynel a bit of a sour look as she leaves.

She heads to Shaka's room and knocks. "Shaka," she calls out.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 06:45 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 10:40 PM)

Arynel bit his lip and tapped on the table for a moment or three.

“I have been too long settled,” the Breton said at last, “I fear I have grown stagnant, putrid. I shall think to get moving once more, tell me, if you will, where is the door? The path is calling and I am anxious for its finding, better to see, better to show.”

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 06:46 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 12:42 AM)

She heads to Shaka's room and knocks. "Shaka," she calls out.

"Come in," he said. "This is a switch, Loranna. Usually I'm the one who comes to you . . . rightfully so."

He turned to face her. "I'm sorry, I don't usually pull scenes like Isidor. Maybe you could tell me who's replaced him, by the way. I don't recognize the one we took out of Dagon Fel."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 06:49 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 12:46 AM)

Loranna enters, a worried look on her face.

"I'm concerned about Isidor too, and will go look for him presently," she says. "Perhaps you could come with me to ask him that; I'm afraid I've been rather clueless lately, too worried about assassins and queens and not enough about my friends."

She sighs. "Shaka, what's wrong? What are we doing to upset you."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 06:58 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 12:49 AM)

He looked into her honest face. "I'm tired of his moods and comings and goings. I'll wait for his return instead. I don't agree that you've been clueless, you've had more than enough on your plate."

He looked away for a second, thinking. "I blew it with Anya. When I comforted her last night, it was genuine; but when she went to the baths late that night, I . . . pushed her too soon. She's still haunted by demons, though I don't know if that's metaphor or true."

"Loranna, the other matter . . . I've suspected that Arynel had power beyond the surface of a Bard, but now Tris tells us he's .... what, Vivec? Or is Allie supposed to be? How am I supposed to respond to that?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 07:07 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 3 2005, 11:45 PM)

"Oh, stop with the path metaphor," Tris said.

He stood up, paced, and looked in the direction Loranna had gone. His steps were light and even.

"Allie's as bad as you are," he said. "Apparently she's surrounded by women, holy men, and an aging necromancer who smells like spell components. You need to get laid, that's all."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:08 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 12:58 AM)

Loranna is quiet for a long moment, digesting what Shaka said. Her expression darkens some.

"Arynel is Mastery," Loranna says, "and Allie is Mercy and Solin Mystery. Allie was appointed Mercy by Vivec himself at his trial and for mine I asked her to reprise her role and named Arynel and Solin as Mastery and Mystery. After the Blue Dawn had ended, they stepped up to fill the role of the Tribunal until such time as others could be found to fill those roles."

" ... But yes, he has a power beyond the surface," Loranna says. "Just like we all do, you included."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 07:16 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 01:08 AM)

" ... But yes, he has a power beyond the surface," Loranna says. "Just like we all do, you included."

Shaka was silent for a moment, thinking on what she had said.

"You should get back to your guests. Thank you for talking like this."

Shaka had a tear in his eye for a moment. "I wonder . . . .If I had to do it over again, banter with you and Vendama at breakfast, push my way in . . . Would I?"

He wiped his eyes. "Sorry for acting like an adolescent. I'll be out after a while."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:22 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 01:16 AM)

"You'll notice, neither Vendama nor I objected," Loranna points out. "Even if you were a bit brazen to have done so."

She pauses, taking a guess as to Shaka's thoughts. "Believe it or not dear - I felt exactly the same way around Allie and Arnyel and the others when I was the Incarnate. Don't worry about it; you've an adventurer's heart, just like we all do."

She gives Shaka a hopeful smile. "See you soon, I hope," she says as she heads back to the door, still looking at Shaka.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 07:27 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 09:14 PM)

"Shaka, his name is Goranthir; he's from Summerset he says," Loranna tells the Argonian. "I tend to agree with Tris's assessement; he's Her Majesty's pretty guard, he's a bit rash, and he's a flirt."

"A flirt my azurite rear-end. He wouldn't even look at me. He only flirts with whom he's told." Anya muttered quietly, unable to keep quiet. She kept it low enough that it was barely audible, if that.

She sat quietly as the others speculated. Her experience didn't lie with Queens and allienances as much, and she drifted away into the recess of her mind.

A chair skidding snapped her out of her day-dreaming, and she watched Shaka leave, followed shortly by Loranna.

Haunted by last night though, she didn't know what to do. She wanted to go to him, but she felt scared, and alone despite being surround by people that would defend her if needed.

Quietly, she stood up and commented as she left the room, "Personally, I admire the Queen for her tenacity and skill. But I don't trust someone that coats her words in honey." She left, not really sure where her feet were taking her.

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:28 AM

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

“The only reason you dislike my method of instruction, friend, is that you move so fast you cannot see the ground beneath your feet.” Arynel said, “And you’re right, I do miss her.”

The Breton smiled smugly, but said nothing else.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 07:32 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 4 2005, 12:28 AM)

"What was all that about?" Tris said. "The Argonian. How could you travel with Loranna and not know about - well, Sen-Yedda, and you, and everything at the end of Blue Dawn? Have I really been gone that long?"

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 11:32 PM)

"We have many new faces," Arynel answered, "and they know what they do from word of mouth, which is an uncertain testimony always."

The Breton paused, "I fear I have been lapse in my duties, they should know more."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 07:37 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 4 2005, 01:34 AM)

"You wouldn't be the only one remiss in telling our history, dear," Loranna says as she returns. "I myself have mostly been mentioning things when directly asked. Too much time worrying about vengeful ghosts or assassin werewolves or the Drunken Guar tumbling down to the ground."

"Shaka seems to be doing better now; hopefully he'll be back soon," she continues, looking around. "Where'd Anya go?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 07:39 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 4 2005, 12:34 AM)

"Yeah, well, we all know you're such a big talker," Tris said. "You can barely contain yourself when you get around a crowd of new people."

He pushed Arynel's shoulder gently, playfully.

"Sorry. I'm in a bit of a mood myself, today. This whole business - it's scary."

Posted by: Arynel Yesterday, 07:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 3 2005, 11:39 PM)

Arynel nodded.

"I believe you," the Breton said, "truly I do. I will not claim to be above fear."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 07:48 AM

Exiting onto a balcony facing the woods near the guest wing, and called Lotus. His faint glow, though new, was comforting.

"Tell me little guy, what's going on? Why do I feel scared, alone, helpless. Why do I feel like a simple, petty theif when I walk amongst these people and why do these memories come back now? Come one, you've always known me." Anya scratched his chin a bit and then leaned over the rail.

Lotus tilted his head and clacked his beak as he perched on the rail as well as the ackward Racer could. "Ha, you have all the right words, don't you. Why do you stay by me? I recall the previous owner saying you'd only come if you actually wanted, even though your bound to the spear, and you haven't failed once."

Staring out into the woods, Anya wondered how a simple little girl like herself got mixed up with the hands of gods and powerful people, and why dreams would even haunt her.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 07:55 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 12:37 AM)

"That way," Tris said, gesturing, "Saying something foul about Barenziah. She made a good point, though. That fellow will do exactly what he's told, I have no doubt. I would, if I were him."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:55 AM)

"That way," Tris said, gesturing, "Saying something foul about Barenziah. She made a good point, though. That fellow will do exactly what he's told, I have no doubt. I would, if I were him."

"I see," Loranna says, looking toward the direction Tris indiciates. She hesitates a moment.

" ... Before I go off playing healer again, what's the plan for the ghost situation?" she asks. "Has anything changed since Allie sent me her letters?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 08:04 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 01:00 AM)

"That's one of those long conversations to hold in your bedroom later," Tris said, grinning. "Should we follow at a discreet distance?"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:07 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 02:04 AM)

"That's one of those long conversations to hold in your bedroom later," Tris said, grinning. "Should we follow at a discreet distance?"

"My bedroom has been rather active of late, despite Slyvos still being out of it," Loranna says, returning Tris's grin.

" ... I couldn't stop you from following," she says. "It might be a good idea; Anya lost family in the Dawn, and, well, I was the Incarnate ..."

She frowns. "Or, it might be best not to ..." she muses, her feet heading in the same direction as Anya's.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 08:49 AM

Casts-The-Stones, the Argonian parrapton stablemaster, entered quietly.

'Pardon me for interrupting,' he said. 'But the Queen Mother and one of her knights are looking at the parraptons, and asked me if they could go for a ride. They seemed to think it was all right by you, and I didn't feel like it was my place to reject the will of the Queen Mother ...'

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 08:54 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 02:49 AM)

Loranna turns to Casts-The-Stones, and nods. "It is, dear; the Queen and I were thinking of taking a ride today, for old times sake," she explains.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:00 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 3 2005, 11:54 PM)

Loranna turns to Casts-The-Stones, and nods. "It is, dear; the Queen and I were thinking of taking a ride today, for old times sake," she explains.

‘Should I saddle them up now, my lady, or should I tell them you’ll be joining them shortly? The knight seems particularly keen.’

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 09:01 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 01:48 AM)

Staring out into the woods, Anya wondered how a simple little girl like herself got mixed up with the hands of gods and powerful people, and why dreams would even haunt her.

"Hi," said Shaka, stepping out onto the balcony. "I didn't even know this was out here. Shows how much time I've been spending in the guest wing."

Shaka looked at the feisty Bosmer gazing into what would have been her natural home, if not for a lifetime as slave and citydweller. Her blond hair was tied back, a few strands at the neck stirring in the breeze.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:05 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:00 AM)

‘Should I saddle them up now, my lady, or should I tell them you’ll be joining them shortly? The knight seems particularly keen.’

Loranna looks to Tris and Arynel. " ... I did promise the Queen," she says after a moment's hesitation. "I'll be down shortly, dear," she tells Casts-The-Stones.

"This could be enlightening ..." she mutters, mostly to heself, as she turns to go. "Tris, would you like to come along?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 02:05 AM)

"You'd have a hard time stopping me," Tris said. "I love parraptons. I want to meet the new queen."

The thrill of the flight, the speed... it had saved his sanity, when he wasn't able to run.

Ald Raathim's queen had died in the Blue Dawn. But it seemed she had left a successor behind.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 09:12 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 01:01 AM)

"Shaka..."

Anya followed the tree line, spotting a few animals near the edge of the forest.

"It seems this 'humble traveler' has calmed my mind a bit. Sometimes I wish I knew some magic. It made me wonder why Loranna didn't do it. Humble traveler, heh, I wonder how many travelers humbly were given some mandate from a god."

Shoving Lotus out, and telling him to get some exercise, she continued musing.

"I feel so childish again, now that I can think. I at best manage some slight of hand. I don't feel equal to anyone around her, not even you, battlemage. I mean what I say, and I do feel like a timid girl. And now that these memories have come back, I've just become so terrified and alone. Reality is blurred for me now, it's not even nightmares, more as if I'm actually there, as real as me talking to you."

I'm more of a burden now, especially since I can't even seem to keep on my own two feet. Sometimes I wonder how a little girl with a fancy spear and a pretty cliff racer managed to meet the Queen Mother herself."

She looked down at the stone ground. "Ha, what am I doing? I'm sure you don't want to listen to the self pity of a lamenting girl."

Anyway, I'm sorry about last night. Nothing is as it seems, or should be for me now."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:14 AM

The parrapton silo was enormous, much taller than it was wide, for they tended to prefer their nest at the top of the stables.

Goranthir had climbed up into the high rafters, and was surrounded by a dozen flying parraptons.

Barenziah was on the ground, petting the head of the mount the new Queen Parrapton had chosen for her. The new Queen was much smaller than the old one, but growing steadily day by day.

"I haven’t flown one of these … " Barenziah began, and then shook her head. "I don’t want to guess how long. Will you be joining us?"

"Come on!" cried Goranthir, scrambling down from the rafters. He still had his red armor on, but he move with an awkward, teenage agility.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 03:12 AM)

She looked down at the stone ground. "Ha, what am I doing? I'm sure you don't want to listen to the self pity of a lamenting girl."

Anyway, I'm sorry about last night. Nothing is as it seems, or should be for me now."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize." He reached out and brushed back the blond strands. "I don't think you're a lost girl; I think you're a survivor. I haven't been tested as you have."

He studied her profile. "Anya, if your visions are more than post-traumatic stress . . . Who could have returned from the dead? Do you think your former master is capable of this? Even your 'uncle' -- but I get the feeling he loved you in his own way . . . ."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:20 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:14 AM)

Loranna glances up at Goranthir with raised eyebrows, mildly impressed he could climb about the rafters in all that armor.

"Yes Your Majesty; I love flying," she says, paying her respects to the parrapton queen. The new queen knew her already, and chose a mount suited for her.

"You've flown on a parrapton before Goranthir?" Loranna asks.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:21 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 02:14 AM)

"Your majesty, it would be an honor," Tris said. But, truth be told, he wasn't looking at Barenziah, but at the other queen. He bowed low, let the new queen examine him with her antennae, then mounted the parrapton she chose for him.

He had been nervous; after all, his last mount had gotten killed while he was riding it. But it seemed the queen understood. They had all made sacrifices in the Dawn.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:23 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 12:20 AM)

"You've flown on a parrapton before Goranthir?" Loranna asks.

"No, never," he smiled. "But I’m going to love it. I’ve always wanted to."

Casts-the-Bones began saddling up the parraptons chosen by the Queen for each rider.

"I’ve told him the basic hand-rubs, my Lady. He should be okay," said Casts-the-Stones.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 01:17 AM)

"No, I'm the one who should apologize." He reached out and brushed back the blond strands. "I don't think you're a lost girl; I think you're a survivor. I haven't been tested as you have."

"I suppose so, but logic and rationalization rarely have bearing on emotions and feelings, I've come to find. I'm still a little girl at heart. One who grew up too fast, I sometimes think."

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 01:17 AM)

He studied her profile. "Anya, if your visions are more than post-traumatic stress . . . Who could have returned from the dead? Do you think your former master is capable of this? Even your 'uncle' -- but I get the feeling he loved you in his own way . . . ."

"Vondicus? No, it couldn't be him, he died like he always wanted, in battle and protecting others. And my 'master', though that title is too nice for him, was a weak fool who enjoyed tormenting others it seemed.' She spat out that last remark.

Closing her eyes, she though of that inhuman voice that screamed at her. Only once, and it hasn't returned. "You left me. I'll never let you be happy."

"All I hear is laughter, cold and menacing. And a voice screaming 'You left me'... but it couldn't be." Worry crossed her mind, but she banished that thought, it was even more unpleasant than her past.

Opening her eyes, she thought out loud. "But why now, at this time? Even if someone is tormenting me for their own purposes, what shanged to let them do it now and not all those years ago?"

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:30 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:23 AM)

"Thank you Casts-The-Stones," Loranna says, before smiling at Goranthir. "Well then, let us be off sirs and Majesty; it's a beautiful day for flying."

Riding on a parrapton was an exhilerating experience, even when you were somewhat accustomed to it; the flight was smooth, and fast, the giant wasps supremely adroit in the air. One could go from a hover to a sudden rise or dive, then stop just as suddenly, or swoop through the air ...

Loranna's hair streams behind her as she takes flight, her laugh ringing in the air.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:30 AM

They glided up from the ground with a sonorous hum, dancing up into the trees, their carapaces catching the sun like jewels.

Barenziah’s formal hairstyle fell apart, becoming a long swirl of silver flowing behind her. Her face was that of a girl, thrilled and laughing from fear. Goranthir’s face could not be seen. He was leaning forward on his parrapton’s back, much as one would ride a horse at full gallop.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:32 AM

Goranthir’s parrapton kept pace with the group, and then suddenly shot straight up vertically disappearing into the sunlight. For a few seconds it was gone, and then suddenly it was coming up from the trees below, flying backwards. Goranthir was laughing hysterically and holding on for dear life.

"By the Nine," Barenziah yelled, laughing herself. "Quit showing off!"

"It’s not my fault!" Goranthir yelled back. "It’s what Yori wants to do!"

On the ground, Casts-The-Bones scratched his scaly head. "How did he know his name is Yori? I’m sure I didn’t mention it. And I’ve never seen Yori fly backwards before … Didn’t know he could."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:36 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 02:30 AM)

Tris knew the new riders would be all right; hadn't he and Ciel managed mid-air combat, after only a few moments of training?

His palms would never be rough enough for him to communicate easily, so he had bought, in those days, a pair of rings for his first and middle finger. Moving his fingers rapidly back and forth, he sent his parrapton into a dive to pick up speed, then flattened out, laughing at the terrifying sensation of the ground whipping past, before rejoining the others.

There had been some confusion behind him. He tried to catch Loranna's eye with a question, but such subtleties weren't possible at speed.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 09:38 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 03:28 AM)

Opening her eyes, she thought out loud. "But why now, at this time? Even if someone is tormenting me for their own purposes, what changed to let them do it now and not all those years ago?"

"I don't know, Anya. Loranna was saying something about the veil between the living and the dead was weakened in recent years. We're going to have to talk to her or the mages to find out more . . . ."

Shaka was resisting the impulse to put his arms around her. He could smell the fresh scent from her hair from here. Good vintage, he thought wryly. Essence of woodelf.

The royal visitors could be seen in the distance with Loranna. Shaka had only flown once -- had it only been two months ago that he had come to Ald Raathim during the Early Harvest Festival? But he remembered the crazy day when he and Slyvos had careened around the woods near the Drunken Guar searching for the assassin Kethiah's victim. Amazing how maneuverable the parraptons had been . . . .

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:41 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:32 AM)

"The queen has a sense of humor I see," Loranna laughs, looking back at Barenziah and Yori when she hears the commotion.

She goes for some lazy swoops, which suddenly turn into a mad dash downward, then back upward, Loranna rubbing glove-covered fingers together and whooping with delight.

"You seem to be taking to your mount readily, Goranthir!" Loranna calls out, having missed Tris's look.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:42 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 12:36 AM)

There had been some confusion behind him. He tried to catch Loranna's eye with a question, but such subtleties weren't possible at speed.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 12:41 AM)

"You seem to be taking to your mount readily, Goranthir!" Loranna calls out, having missed Tris's look.

"He's the runt," Goranthir yelled. "He's dying to show off for you."

With that, Goranthir's parrapton pivoted in the air, righted itself, and flew fast forward, outdistancing the group.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:44 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 02:42 AM)

"Your majesty, I'm up for a challenge if he is! The bugs have too much sense to let us get hurt," Tris called out to Barenziah.

Tris leaned forward, flattening himself to make less of a disturbance to the air, and made a clicking, whistling noise with his rings.

"Don't let me lose, buddy," he whispered. "Never lost a race yet."

His parrapton obligingly shot off after Goranthir's.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 09:46 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 01:38 AM)

"Lovely. Seems like half my problems stem from her, even when she tries to do some good."

Anya's ears pricked up when she heard Shaka take a quiet sniff. It was easy since they were close, but this wasn't the first time she'd noticed, though she knew that argonians relied on scent a lot more than mer and men. Funny, she though, most men notice my face when they see me, and that's what excites them. Not for him, it's my scent." She tilted the corner of her lips in a tight smile.

"I've never seen one of those, parraptons I think. Only word of mouth. Agile creatures, for being so large. I wonder what they're like."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:47 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:42 AM)

Goranthir’s parrapton, traveling backwards, caught up with Tris’s, almost parallel.

"Is that as fast as you can go?" the knight yelled out, laughing.

"Gor," Barenziah called, her voice stern. "Stop that at once."
"He's the runt," Goranthir yelled. "He's dying to show off for you."

With that, Goranthir's parrapton pivoted in the air, righted itself, and flew fast forward, outdistancing the group.

Loranna flies over parralel to Barenziah, saying " ... For soemone who's never flown before in his life he really seems to understand parraptons, Your Majesty," with a 'boys will be boys' sheepish shrug.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:48 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 12:42 AM)

"He's the runt," Goranthir yelled. "He's dying to show off for you."

With that, Goranthir's parrapton pivoted in the air, righted itself, and flew fast forward, outdistancing the group.

"He’s not the only one!" the Queen Mother called. "What’s your excuse?!"

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 12:44 AM)

"Your majesty, I'm up for a challenge if he is! The bugs have too much sense to let us get hurt," Tris called out to Barenziah.

"You’re a bad influence!" Barenziah added, but she was still laughing.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 12:47 AM)

"He’s a natural born ranger; he speaks with all kinds of animals," Barenziah replied, keeping her eyes half on the race and half on the trees below. "He knew he’d do well."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 09:51 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 03:46 AM)

"I've never seen one of those, parraptons I think. Only word of mouth. Agile creatures, for being so large. I wonder what they're like."

"Maybe we can take a couple out one day. I've only flown once, but it was amazing to see the trees and ground blur past."

Shaka watched the group, a little uneasy. Maybe he was getting middle-aged, but the showboating he saw could lead to some serious consequences. Collisions at that speed . . . .

What do the pretty boys have to prove, anyway, he thought. Shaka knew the age-old answer: mating rituals, preening for the women.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 09:56 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:51 AM)

"He’s a natural born ranger; he speaks with all kinds of animals," Barenziah replied, keeping her eyes half on the race and half on the trees below. "He knew he’d do well."

"I see," Loranna says, watching the race herself.

" ... He's an exceptional mer, Your Majesty," she says. "Especially considering his age."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 09:58 AM

Barenziah smiled at Loranna. "I know. Thank you."

Goranthir's parrapton dove into the trees, disappearing from sight as below, it darted between tree branches.

"Yes, I know," Goranthir whispered. "This armor is heavy. I should have thought of that. Sorry."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:00 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 02:58 AM)

Goranthir's parrapton dove into the trees, disappearing from sight as below, it darted between tree branches.

"Yes, I know," Goranthir whispered. "This armor is heavy. I should have thought of that. Sorry."

Tris knew what Shaka didn't, that he had no intentions of colliding with anyone. He knew all the tricks; a simple spell would make his parrapton faster than anyone's. But the best races were clean, muscle and will versus muscle and will.

Did parraptons even have muscles?

The only danger Goranthir would be in was if he managed to get so carried away by the joy of flight that he actually let go. It had happened to inexperienced riders before. But somehow, Tris didn't think it would this time.

His parrapton was gaining; it looked as if the other might be tiring. Then Goranthir's parrapton slipped out of sight.

Damn, that's a dangerous stunt, Tris thought, half in annoyance and half in alarm. Where are we going?

After a moment, he dropped below the tree level too. Now he was in front.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:58 AM)

Loranna smiles back, her eyes on the race.

"That's odd ... what's he doing?" she mutters, watching Goranthir's descent with a worried expression. She instinctively fleses her fingers, despite being nowhere near effective spell range.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:04 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:00 AM)

After a moment, he dropped below the tree level too. Now he was in front.

Yori’s wings tightened against its body to dart through the V of a large tree, and then with two bursts, it was parallel with Tris’s parrapton.

"Where are we racing to?!" Goranthir called out.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 10:06 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 01:51 AM)

"Maybe we can take a couple out one day. I've only flown once, but it was amazing to see the trees and ground blur past."

"That sounds nice, I'll keep that in mind."

Turning around, she faced down the hallway, "You know, all I was supposed to do was take them to some Daedric ruins, I was only a pathfinder. Does Loranna have this effect on everyone? Initially using them for one thing, and ending up with them living in her castle."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 01:04 AM)

"That's odd ... what's he doing?" she mutters, watching Goranthir's descent with a worried expression. She instinctively fleses her fingers, despite being nowhere near effective spell range.

"Being a fool. Trying to impress you and Tris," Barenziah replied, shaking her head.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:08 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:04 AM)

Yori’s wings tightened against its body to dart through the V of a large tree, and then with two bursts, it was parallel with Tris’s parrapton.

"Where are we racing to?!" Goranthir called out.

"You started it, you call it!" Tris said. Then realized that Goranthir didn't know the territory; he wasn't from here.

"There's a burned-out cabin north of here!" he shouted. Hopefully it wouldn't have been cleared since the time of the fighting.

His parrapton trembled beneath him. It was starting to tire. But Tris could feel that it wanted to win as badly as he did. The queen wouldn't have picked a parrapton for him that didn't love speed.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 10:11 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 04:06 AM)

He smiled at her despite the basic truth of the question. "Loranna seems to attract strays. You, me, all the other non-demigods of the past few months. Hell, Ald Raathim itself attracts strays and refugees . . . . And maybe she doesn't have the same effect on you that she does on males, or maybe she does, a little, but -- Well, all I know is that she was possessed by Dibella for a while or something, and some of it must have rubbed off permanently."

"Not that I'd trade present company," he said, and not in jest.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:11 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 04:07 AM)

"Being a fool. Trying to impress you and Tris," Barenziah replied, shaking her head.

" ... I wonder sometimes if I'm not too pretty for my own good," Loranna says, frowning a bit. "It's nice to be admired yes but well ..."

She glances over at Barenziah, saying " ... Tris knows what he's doing; Goranthir's in good hands."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:12 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:08 AM)

His parrapton trembled beneath him. It was starting to tire. But Tris could feel that it wanted to win as badly as he did. The queen wouldn't have picked a parrapton for him that didn't love speed.

"Okay," Goranthir called out, darting off to the left and disappearing into the trees, decidedly not in a northward direction. "See you there!"

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:15 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 01:11 AM)

"I’m not worried, my lady, just mildly exasperated," Barenziah smiled. "But he’s sixteen, and I know I was a fool at that age, and for many years thereafter."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:18 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:12 AM)

"Okay," Goranthir called out, darting off to the left and disappearing into the trees, decidedly not in a northward direction. "See you there!"

"What the hell are you DOING?" Tris shouted after him.

He didn't like not knowing what game he was playing. He could have tinkered with the rules in a dozen little ways. But he didn't. Let Goranthir do whatever, go off to investigate mudcrabs, he was flying a straight race.

He squeaked with his finger rings to inform his parrapton of their new goal. The parrapton wasn't happy about letting Goranthir out of sight; its speed dropped. But it obeyed him.

He bent low, wondering if a feather potion would help or harm, and if the parrapton really was as tired as it seemed.

Parraptons were fast. Soon the cabin was sweeping up in front of him. It hadn't been cleared; the ground around it was filling up with water, and what remained of it was sinking into the muck.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:21 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:18 AM)

Parraptons were fast. Soon the cabin was sweeping up in front of him. It hadn't been cleared; the ground around it was filling up with water, and what remained of it was sinking into the muck.

"You call that a shortcut!" Goranthir was yelling as he and Yori burst out of a patch of brush to the west. It was hard to tell which racer was closer, but the distance was practically nil.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:21 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 04:15 AM)

"I’m not worried, my lady, just mildly exasperated," Barenziah smiled. "But he’s sixteen, and I know I was a fool at that age, and for many years thereafter."

"I still feel like a fool half the time myself," Loranna says. "And that's not even counting what I did prior to the Dawn."

She smiles, slightly ruefully.

" ... If I may ask, Your Majesty, how did you come to meet Goranthir?" Loranna asks, curiosity creeping back into her voice.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:24 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:21 AM)

"You call that a shortcut!" Goranthir was yelling as he and Yori burst out of a patch of brush to the west. It was hard to tell which racer was closer, but the distance was practically nil.

Tris wasn't sure either. And there was no one by to call the race.

As soon as he reached the cabin, he vaulted to the ground.

"YOU!" he yelled. "What the hell are you? You're no royal guard."

He was trembling. He wasn't sure why he was so angry.

His parrapton buzzed feebly, worried by his outburst of temper, and he stroked its head.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:25 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 01:21 AM)

" ... If I may ask, Your Majesty, how did you come to meet Goranthir?" Loranna asks, curiosity creeping back into her voice.

Barenziah’s eyes were twinkling. "I first saw him when he was six months old, and then on and off for some years. He only came to Mournhold a year ago, after running away from home. I told his mother I would look out for him, and look at what a fine job I’m doing."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:27 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:24 AM)

"YOU!" he yelled. "What the hell are you? You're no royal guard."

"Of course I’m not," Goranthir smiled, and then when he saw Tris’s angry expression, his face dropped. "I’m Barenziah’s grandson."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 10:28 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 02:11 AM)

"Dibella, just how many gods has she been possesd by?" Worry crossed her face. She had made a living avoiding attention for many years, and now her she was, associating herself with such powerful and historic figures. Don't laugh Uncle. I know exactly what I did here.

Some of his words crossed her mind. "Never let people onto all you can do. Don't gloat, don't boast, and most certianly don't show off. Don't keep them guessing either, let them think less of you, and let them only wonder when you kill them."

He wouldn't be to happy with me know, I would think. I haven't exacly kept a closed book on myself. She remembered a time when two well trained assassins came after him, during the dead of night. Both of them taken hostage. Anya wasn't too sure what to do, but Vondicus did, but not even a smirk corssed his face. The assassins could be heard mocking him too, "You are the defector? You couldn't even prevent your capture last night."

They didn't say much as their gear was pawned off for some coins the next day. Though this was but an example of what he could do.

She brought herself back to present day. I wonder who many people see me as anything more than a simple wood elf companion to Loranna though? Of course, her uncle's lessons tended to apply to people that normal men should come in contact with, she doubted that it extended to current companions. Though that was how she had lived most her life, and habits were hard to break. Truly opening up, and showing her limits to others, weren't exactly her strong suits.

"A stray, huh. Shaka, you sure do know the way to a girl's heart." She teased.

"Yes, present company is probably the best to be had." Glancing at him, her lips curled up in a tight smile, "Your jealousy isn't exactly hidden, even for an argonian. I doubt you'd have to worry about that knight, or Tris, or any of the other pretty faces though."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 04:25 AM)

"That's what I was beginning to think," Loranna says, "though I hadn't guessed the running away part."

She sighs, grinning a little. "I wonder if I'm hoping Sen-Yedda will be like him or the opposite when she's that age; I'm not sure which would give me fewer heart attacks," she says, chuckling. "You are blessed Your Majesty to have such a vibrant grandson, exasperations aside."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:32 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:27 AM)

"Of course I’m not," Goranthir smiled, and then when he saw Tris’s angry expression, his face dropped. "I’m Barenziah’s grandson."

"I thought you were..." Tris bit off the words... her lover. "Never mind. You're good, I think you won. No one's ever beaten me in a race before. It doesn't happen."

He was breathing fast, almost panting, from the adrenaline of the race. Beautiful boy. He should have thought of it. Beautiful Morgiah and the beautiful king of Firsthold.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 10:34 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 04:28 AM)

"A stray, huh. Shaka, you sure do know the way to a girl's heart." She teased.

"Yes, present company is probably the best to be had." Glancing at him, her lips curled up in a tight smile, "Your jealousy isn't exactly hidden, even for an argonian. I doubt you'd have to worry about that knight, or Tris, or any of the other pretty faces though."

"I hope you're right, kiddo," he said, unsmiling. "The Lords of Creation ... and we peons get to stand on the balcony and watch. Generous of them, isn't it."

Anya was having the same effect on him that Loranna had sometimes evoked; you didn't know whether to kneel before the woman or tuck them into bed with a stuffed guar.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:35 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 01:32 AM)

"Thank you," Barenziah smiled. "He’s more sweet-natured than anyone else in my family. He gets that from his father Reman, who is a bit of fool, but he also has my daughter’s intelligence. Hopefully, that will sustain him in life."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:38 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:32 AM)

"I think it’d be charitable to me to call it a tie," Goranthir said, smiling again and holding out his hand. "But I’ll tell Yori we won."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:40 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:38 AM)

"I think it’d be charitable to me to call it a tie," Goranthir said, smiling again and holding out his hand. "But I’ll tell Yori we won."

Tris took his hand. He felt as if he should apologize for his uncharitable thoughts, but there was no way to do that without admitting to them.

"We should walk the parraptons back. It's a long way. But we really pushed them too far, too fast. I don't want to be banned from the stables."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 10:42 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 04:35 AM)

"Sometimes foolishness is an admirable thing, for all the lamenting I offer about being one myself," Loranna says, smiling back. "The menfolk seem to be done; shall we go to them or make them come to us, Your Majesty?"

She grins, then says in a slightly more serious tone " ... And thank you for this visit; it's truly been an honor and a pleasure."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 10:43 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 02:34 AM)

"Me too. That Tris... scares me more than Goranthir. I was half tempted to say 'Watch that smile, it will get you in trouble some day.' but something tells me I would have been way off the mark if I said that."

Turning around, she watched two of the bugs zip off. "Ah well, good thing I'm just a peon, eh Shaka? I don't see myself ever actually coming across him where I'd have to worry about his intentions."

"What is that infernale Racer doing, is he trying to follow those two? I'll just let him be, at no slight to my faithful Lotus, he is too slow for them."

"Lords of Creation eh? Seems appropriate. They do seem to mess with people's lives, almost as if they were simply peices in a game. I guess that's what will seperate us peons from them, not matter how much good either side tries to do."

I just hope that I don't become the one toyed with. Sometimes allyig yourself with such powerful forces ins't as good as it seems.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 10:48 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 04:43 AM)

"Lords of Creation eh? Seems appropriate. They do seem to mess with people's lives, almost as if they were simply peices in a game. I guess that's what will seperate us peons from them, not matter how much good either side tries to do."

Shaka took her hand. "Maybe I sound bitter. I'm not. It's just that all my life, I'd join something -- the Imperial Cult, the Temple, the Mage and Fighters Guilds -- and get too comfortable. That's when you get kicked in the balls and informed you're a lizard after all."

He looked at her wryly. "Guess the metaphor doesn't apply too well to either of us, huh, technically."

"A game . . . Well, all creation is the Arena, or so they tell me."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:49 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:40 AM)

"I should tell you in all honesty, that I sort of cheated," Goranthir admitted, as they began the walk back. "I can speak with some animals, including apparently Parraptons. It gave me a bit of an edge, which I exploited. Purely for fun, but it really wasn’t fair."

Goranthir touched Tris’s parrapton. "Her name is Tirra, and it’s unanimous. All three of us had fun. I hope you did too."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 01:42 AM)

"For me as well, truly. Did you give any thought to my proposal, or is it too soon to ask?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:54 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:49 AM)

"Almost too much fun," Tris admitted. He smiled, more to himself than to Goranthir. "Some time you should race me on foot. And not wearing armor, either. How did you learn to speak to animals? That's usually a Bosmer trick."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 10:57 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 02:48 AM)

"Lucky you, my uncle never let me get comfortable, even when I took a few years stint to wander on my own, his words have a tendency to echo in my head."

"Maybe calling it a game is too harsh, too inhuman. But it certianly seems that way. As if they see the whole board, while we only see where we're moved. Not necessarily bad, mind you, but it can be disconcerting to those that don't understand the whole ordeal."

As near as I can tell, they do the best they can with the information they have, While you and I may only see where we go, though it may not always look good from our perspectives. Ha! Just look at me, a family slaughtered, and according to you, able to be haunted because of what these powers that be have done. I may come off bitter myself."

I wonder if knowing more is all it's cracked up to be, eh? I guess both sides have something to envy from the other."

"Alright my 'just a lizard' friend, do you forsee what you're moves will be on this grand Arena board?" She smiled coyly.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 10:59 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:54 AM)

"Anytime," Goranthir replied with a smile. "Though I’m not particularly fast. My nurse in Firsthold was Bosmer, and she practically raised me. I don’t know how I learned the trick, but she definitely encouraged it in me. I don’t think my parents liked it much when I was more interested in talking with my pets than other children."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:01 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 04:51 AM)

"For me as well, truly. Did you give any thought to my proposal, or is it too soon to ask?"

"I wish to seek the consuel of a few more people," Loranna tells Barenziah. "I do think though that I can give you an answer before you leave."

" ... If I may ask a couple questions of you now though, Your Majesty," Loranna continues. "You spoke earlier of my asking what I would ask in return. My concerns are for my domain's prosperity and growth; could you tell me how you would see an alliance between us working towards that?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:02 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 03:59 AM)

"That seems hard to believe," Tris said, laughing. "You've been outgoing enough around us two-legged types this morning. How old are you?"

He said this casually, although the answer was very important to him.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:03 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 04:57 AM)

I wonder if knowing more is all it's cracked up to be, eh? I guess both sides have something to envy from the other."

"Alright my 'just a lizard' friend, do you forsee what you're moves will be on this grand Arena board?" She smiled coyly.

"Well, let's see . . . " Her green eyes had a tendency to hold your attention. "Did you know there's a sauna in the lower levels too? Must be Loranna's Nord roots showing."

"If we can get your ghosts into the light of day soon, maybe we can have a rematch. There we go with the game metaphors again."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 11:09 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 02:01 AM)

"Of course you know better than I what Ald Raathim needs," Barenziah replied. "It would be presumptuous of me to offer you what you do not need. From my perspective, though, it would seem that you are ideally located to be a centerpoint of trade, being at a sea crossroads between mainland Morrowind, Skyrim, and Vvardenfell, and not far from Cyrodiil. Setting the mercantile routes so they pass your door is certainly something I could do. Your farms and tradesmen will be able to benefit and profit, and, of course, you through them. I can offer you the Morrowind army to defend your borders. Probably most importantly, I can guarantee you Ald Raathim’s continued existence, which is something that even Dres Minsero cannot do, for he is answerable to the Dres Council."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 11:12 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 02:02 AM)

"I’m sixteen," Goranthir said, looking at Tris, a little embarrassed, knowing how young that must sound. "And I do like people, particularly adventurers. Particularly non-Altmer adventurers."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 11:12 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 03:03 AM)

"You don't dance around the issue, do you?" She giggle.

"Maybe sometime... I'm enjoying this clarity I have right now far too much to risk a nightmare quite yet."

Lotus had returned and perched on the rail again. He titled his head towards her, clacking a few times.

"Well, little one, you should know how fast you are by now."

Ghosts... I really shouldn't try to run from this should I? I don't know anything about that, except from those blasted Ancestor ghosts in tombs. I'll ask someone, maybe."

But right now, I think some relaxation is in order. I feel like heading to the target range, the permant system for moving those targets should have been put in place now. But first, I need to visit a smith, to see about darkening these bright crystals on my Glass Curaiss. They're entirely to bright for someone in my line of work." She winked at him with that last remark.

Letting Lotus go, Anya took a brisk walk down the hallway.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:17 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 04:12 AM)

"I’m sixteen," Goranthir said, looking at Tris, a little embarrassed, knowing how young that must sound. "And I do like people, particularly adventurers. Particularly non-Altmer adventurers."

"I'd say I like sons of kings, but you're the first one I've ever spoken to," Tris said. Sixteen. When Tris was sixteen, he had run away from home, to take refuge with Bryn, and learn all the alchemy of racing. "I'm only an adventurer by accident. What I really am is a runner; I like to go fast. I'm talking too much, I do that when I'm nervous. I wonder if restore fatigue potions would work on parraptons."

He smiled.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:19 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 05:09 AM)

Barenziah mentioned good points; Loranna had thought about her domain's potential as a trade city but hadn't given the matter as much thought as she could have. Barenziah's offers were very tempting ...

"I see; thank you Your Majesty for clarifying that," Loranna says, looking back to Tris and Goranthir.

Barenziah's words from the previous night still give Loranna a little worry; she tells herself that Barenziah was asking for the moons in order to gain a pound, but still ...

"I will think on this most seriously," she promises Barenziah. " ... What are they talking about over there, anyway ..." she says, watching the men.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 11:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 02:17 AM)

"I’m twice as nervous as you are, I bet," Goranthir laughed. "I’m going to ask if I can join your group when I’m able to stand the idea of rejection."

He looked at Tris, and then quickly looked to the parraptons. "They actually want to fly back, if we take it slow."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 02:19 AM)

"I will think on this most seriously," she promises Barenziah. " ... What are they talking about over there, anyway ..." she says, watching the men.

"Do, and let me know if there’s something I missed, since, like I said, you know the needs of your land better than I do," Barenziah replied, and then following Loranna’s finger, and seeing Tris and Goranthil. "Oh, they’re probably arguing about who won. The vanity of men and mer is very fragile."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:27 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 04:23 AM)

"Then who am I to argue?" Tris said, smiling. He swung into the saddle.

"I wouldn't work too hard at standing the idea of rejection," he said. "That's not a skill you're going to need, very often."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:29 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 05:26 AM)

Loranna chuckles, making plans to discuss matters with Kallen and Nalion, especially given the Queen's offers.

" ... They're going to fly back after putting their mounts through all that?" Loranna says, eyes widening slightly. "Tell me they're not going to race back ..."

She shakes her head, grinning.

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 11:30 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 02:27 AM)

"Then who am I to argue?" Tris said, smiling. He swung into the saddle.

"I wouldn't work too hard at standing the idea of rejection," he said. "That's not a skill you're going to need, very often."

Goranthil laughed, "By the Nine, what a blessing."

The parraptons flitted into the air, joining Barenziah and Loranna.

"Loranna wants to make sure you’re not abusing her parraptons," Barenziah shouted at them.

"Don’t worry, they loved it," Goranthil called back.

Posted by: Eyes Of the Wolf Yesterday, 11:35 AM

Dastril opened his eyes with a smile in his room. He took a piece of paper from his pocket, read it, putted it back, and opened the window. The raven flew straight in. Dastril took the amulet from his neck, and tied it up carefully around it's leg. He smiled and waved after it, as it flew up to the sky. Then Dastril opened the door, walked downstairs and scared the hell out of the innkeep who was drinking his own boozes. He checked the piece of paper again.

"I think I'm supposed to 'give him gold as a payment for his services.'" he read carefully from the paper. "Do you know what that means?" The innkeep nodded shakily.

"I-it m-makes 210 d-drakes, please." Dastril took his purse, and carefully counted the mentioned sum to the table. The innkeep seemed to gather back some of his stability, as he saw the cash. Dastril seemed to consider something. He checked his paper twice, before saying anything.

"'Could I have some food, please?'" The innkeep nodded, and gave him some fish stew with bread and water. Dastril smiled happily, inspected the spoon carefully, and tasted the stew. He looked like he had gone straight to heaven. Then he started to spoon carefully the stew with apparent joy in his eyes. After the stew was finished, he attacked the bread.

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:47 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 05:30 AM)

"I'm sure they did," Loranna calls out. "I just hope the queen doesn't get mad, is all."

Tris and Goranthil both seemed flushed with elation; Loranna says "Perhaps it's time to take it easy for a bit, everyone."

Posted by: S'reddit Yesterday, 11:53 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 02:47 AM)

"Sorry if I scared you," Goranthil says, very seriously. "I would sooner hurt myself than any of your parraptons."

The four glided their beasts in to the stable. As they dismounted, Barenziah said, "Gor, will you walk with me? I want to have a few words with you about recklessness."

Posted by: Loranna Yesterday, 11:56 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 4 2005, 05:53 AM)

As Barenziah leads Goranthir off, Loranna turns to Tris.

" ... Got a moment or three to talk?" she asks as she starts heading back to the castle.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 12:01 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 4 2005, 04:56 AM)

As Barenziah leads Goranthir off, Loranna turns to Tris.

" ... Got a moment or three to talk?" she asks as she starts heading back to the castle.

"You really are the Lady of Daruhn now, I need an appointment," Tris teased.

They had their conversation in Jazbet's study. Tris would always think of it as Jazbet's study, no matter that Jazbet was dead and gone.

Many interesting meetings had happened here, meetings with repercussions that shook the whole world.

Posted by: Eyes Of the Wolf Yesterday, 12:19 PM

Dastril stood outside the tavern, his mouth wide open from wonder and amazement. It was as if he had never been outside. It was overwhelming for him, to see the blue sky, hear birds sing and to smell the fresh air. He stood there for a while, gaping at the sight of it, until some half-drunk nord pushed him aside to get into the tavern. He didn't care.

Posted by: Nalion Yesterday, 01:45 PM

Summary:
Nalion, a male Breton mage, had attended the feast to the honours of the Queen Mother Barenziah until his friend Tris arrived bearing a message of grave nature. Though Nalion returned to the banquet, he had left after a short time. The servant who had last seen him could tell that he was deep in thought, and though that was not uncommon to the brown-haired, medium-sized Breton, it somehow seemed different to the servant - more busy and determined - than his usual stance.

On the morning, Nalion did not attend the breakfast nor was found in the two locations he frequented the most: his own chamber and the libary.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 02:56 PM

Isidor still swam on, miles from Ald Rathiaam now. His body didn't feel tired, and his mind felt strong and rejuvinated. He drifted, slowly, camly. He bore no ill will against Loranna and company, and he hoped they knew that.

Posted by: Sir Radont Yesterday, 03:01 PM

OOC: Radont is a male Imperial Knight currently in Ald Raathim.

IC: Radont sat in an uncomfortable chair in the empty dining hall. A book rested on the table in font of him. Radont, always trying to keep up on anyone he may come in contact with, found all the literature he could on Barenziah.

Posted by: Argonians rule Yesterday, 06:20 PM

Summary:

Falco Redflash, the male argonian rogue is currently in his room, scheming about how to enter Barenziah's ship, and make off with a spare suit of royal guard armor.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 06:46 PM

Isidor is still floating in the sea, when he begins to sing:

Oh, Argonian rouge,
flashes of red
don't look behind you,
he'll swipe the hat,
right of your head
noble, he's not,
but hero he is
he's saved a nord's life
he's pleasured your wife
RA

Nal, Breton, 'tis wise
Long brown hair,
dark brown eyes
mage of great wisdom
mage of great insight
he'll study through the day
he'll study throught the night
Friend of the lady,
friend of the school
If there's one thing he's not, it's a fool
LAN

Ahjaar, khajiit with fur
she may look timid,
but do not cross her
fought with the nord,
the lizard, too
fought with the bosmer,
for the blade
knilnb

Posted by: Dumbkid Yesterday, 06:52 PM

A plump little Bosmer with rosy red cheeks was happening through the garden, he lifted a flute to his lips and played a few measures, then began to sing.

Minstrel playing Nords
Are always quite absurd
Trying at revelry and humor
Of political persuasion
And public figure degradation
They make rhymes of uncouth authorization
But it is such a ball
When the song echoes down the halls
And a verse or two is added in a tavern
So sing it in the evening tide
Or even by the riverside
And if you’re scared then sing it in a cavern

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 09:25 PM

Goranthir walked along the dusty road to the village, past the farms. He had taken off his red armor, and was wearing a simple tunic and baggy pants, looking much like a citizen of Ald Raathim. He could speak to domesticated animals, but they were depressing conversationalists. Horses were not too bad: they had a lot of their old spark in them. But guars were idiotic, and he'd cross the road to avoid hearing their asinine observations.

Barenziah was talking to her captain about Necrom, the next point on her tour. Every known member of the Duke's household and acquaintances were being discussed. It was almost more tedious than a discussion with guars.

There was a tavern he had heard about that had good food. Unlike his grandmother, he did not relish Razbiah's cooking, even though it was supposed to be good for him. He would start eating for nutritional value when he was old. Twenty, maybe.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 09:32 PM

Anya walked up to the target range, missing her breastplate. She had left it at the smith to get it blackened, finally. She watched Lotus glide through the trees lazily.

A generous supply of arrows were stock there alread, as well as a sturdy system of pullies and wieghts that propeled several targets sideways for more real-world training.

Anya took some warm up shots, using her short bow. She found she prefered it more than a long bow, as it carried better when moving.

Streching the bow taunt, she sighted the shaft and released it, scoring a forehead shot. She found this simple now.

A ghost? Screaming at me. But I've never left anyone, I've always tried to be there.

Her former owner's image appeared in front of her, on the targets. She stretched the bow back, glaring. She pulled it so far back that there was no more give in the treated wood.

Releasing the bow, it buried itself in the target, the shaft nearly coming out the otherside.

Why does it hate me? I had no control over my life.

She released several more arrows, seeing azurites and their ill-famed twilights.

It couldn't be her though. I was always there, even when she hated me.

Anya released several arrows in quick succesion. Tears streamed down her face, but she payed no mind to them. A look of steely rage was on her face, as she sluaghtered the images form her past.

Why would she hate me now?

Anya dropped her bow, in her anger, she realized that last one she thought of was Loranna. Dropping her bow, she collected her arrows, confusion crossed her face. I know in my mind she isn't a bad person. Why do I still hate her?

Anya walked back to the dropped bow.

Allania, why would you hate me.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:37 PM

The business part of Tris's conversation with Loranna didn't take long. Catching up - that took a little longer.

He was smiling to himself when he left Jazbet's study, although a tiny crease between his eyes betrayed that he wasn't as carefree as he liked to appear.

He wondered where Barenziah was, and if he should go looking for her. He wondered the same thing about Goranthir. But what he decided to do was go looking for the others - Loranna's new friends.

He found Anya at the target range. Was she crying?

"I'm sorry," he said. "Did you want to be alone?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 09:41 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:37 PM)

"I'm sorry," he said. "Did you want to be alone?"

Startled, Anya looked up to the pretty Breton. "Hmm? No, that's fine. I'm just confused right now. I've had an... ackward childhood."

Picking up the short bow, she tested the yeild a bit. Wiping her face, she looked at Tris, "I didn't even notice I was crying this time. So how were those giant bugs?'

Anya let an arrow fly lazily to a targey, and watched it's arc cause it to lodge into the chest.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 09:47 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 02:41 PM)

"I love the parraptons," Tris said. "We had to learn to ride them to defend Ald Raathim, during the Blue Dawn. Loranna mentioned that you lost family then. I'm very sorry. All these big events - I think a lot of us small folk got crushed underfoot."

He faced the target, as if sighting a bow, but did not pick one up.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 09:55 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 01:47 PM)

"Shaka said he'd take me flying one day, they look fun to ride." Watching Tris face the targets, she commented, "What's the matter, you're not a bow person?"

"Blue Dawn, I've always wondered why they call it that, all I saw was fire and blood. Yes, I lost family around the time. Some blood relatives, and some others that I grew to love."

Anya kicked the lever next to her, cause the target to begin to move. She released the arrow.

"Most of my family was lost long before then though. It just hurt worse because I had finally found a home again, and it was ripped away in a matter of minutes. I have no problem killing Twilights now."

Looking at Tris, she wondered if he was waiting to flash a bright smile, or if he was genuine friend, "Loranna, I know she did what she had to, but deep down, for reasons I don't know, I still hate her for it."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:03 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 02:55 PM)

"Go ahead and hate Loranna," Tris said, seriously. "She did some very bad things, and a lot of people suffered for it. No, they weren't things she had to do; they were things that came from a young woman's foolishness and vanity."

He narrowed his eyes, looking at the target; she could see his fingers flex.

"But, being pretty young and pretty foolish, I can't bring myself to hate her for that. No one should ever have that much power, that's the thing; when giants walk, people get crushed underfoot, even if they're nice giants."

He smiled; not a bright smile, or a flashy smile, but a serious smile, which curved his lips but didn't touch the crease on his forehead.

"If you go through the motions of pulling the bow in your head, you don't really need a bow, or a target. Problem is I'm just not that good, with a bow or without. And it was Blue Dawn because of the shining blue eyes of the Azurites."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 10:13 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 02:03 PM)

"Ha, for being such close friends with her, you seem very candid. I suppose that's why you're still her friend."

She layed down her bow, and sighted the target while going through the motions of firing her bow. "I still prefer the tactile feel to an actual weapon in my hands. I suppose I could understand foolishness and vanity a little bit. Though it seems I don't have the whole story quite yet."

One thing my Uncle told, that is the Imperial ex-Legionnaire that rescued me from a lecherous slave-owner, told me every lesson was that I was just a little girl, almost like a mantra, 'You have a strong spirit, I've seen people break under less conditions. But you've lived a traumatic life, you haven't grown. You're still a little girl, and I'll correct you as such.' Oh boy did he too."

Of course, you already know my feelings on vanity, pretty boy." Smiling coyly, she picked her bow back up.

"That is a pretty smile you have though, and I mean it this time."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 10:15 PM

Shaka watched Anya leave for target practice, and stood on the balcony for a moment longer. He always felt better after talking to the elf.

A thought struck him, and he left to find some of the castle workmen.

Later, Shaka watched a mason repair the crack in his guest room. He would pay the worker out of his own pocket; it was wrong to damage Loranna's castle in a fit of temper.

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 10:21 PM

Isidor had found a small island in the middle of the ocean, where he sat, his eyes closed, resting. Once again, he began to sing:

Rain, falling slowly from the air
dropping into the stands, of her hair
sun, obscured by clouds
clouds, getting darker, and darker still
no matter what you say, it will

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:22 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 03:13 PM)

"Ah, did I leave off vanity?" Tris said. "I'm young, foolish, and vain. You shouldn't feed me flattery; I'm a terrible monster."

He considered her words for a moment.

"I'm not sure anyone knows when and how another person grows. I know I didn't like getting slapped in the mouth by my father; I'm older now, and looking back, it seems sometimes I deserved it, and sometimes I did not. Either way it wasn't his slaps that made me grow faster, or better; I never learned a thing until I struck out on my own."

If he was surprised that she had been a slave, he didn't show it.

Posted by: One87xe Yesterday, 10:32 PM

*...a Cave outside Kvatch, Cyrodiil...two days ago...*

"Olmicrin!!" Rurio roars "Why have we heard nothing? All the parties have been gone for days!! HE'S going to be furious...and if I have to incur his wrath, so will you feel mine"

"I,I,I understand Alpha, but please you must show patience" Olmicrin whimpers "The Clan wolud not let you down"

*...before Rurio is within range of Olmicrin's face, the small roaring fire becomes a firestorm as Rurio and Olmicrin guard against the heat...as the fire begins to recede a hooded figure can be seen through the flames...*

"Err...forgive me my Lord but---" Rurio starts

*...as he speaks these words an unseen force grabs him by the throat...he can feel his feet lift off the ground as the chokehold tightens...*

"Stupid mutt...you'd have me waste power to tell you how much you dissappoint me...you and all these other worthless beasts...I can see through the Shattered Mirror that the Ansei still lives...why does he still live?"

*...the hold on Rurio ceases and he falls to his knees gasping for air...*

"F-Forgive Lord, he has proven most difficult to deal with...but if I have a little more time---" Rurio begins to say

"You have very little time left...perhaps you dont see the whole picture"

"The whole pic---" Rurio states

*...Rurio is then shoved by the same unseen force from before...it sends him hurtling into the wall...knocking the air out of him...*

"Never interupt me again!! Your insolence sickens me to no end...it's very simple: kill the Ansei and his companions...they are currently in a fledgling village called Ald Raathim...do not fail me again"

"I-I understand Lord Nemio...I will not fail you again"

"I should surely hope not...and one more thing Rurio: have this done before the Creator can interfere...his presence would be nothing short of disaster"

"It shall be done mi'Lord" Rurio replies

*...the Hooded Figure then disappears as the fire flares up...Rurio now feels blood trickle from his head as Olmicrin cowers in the corner...*

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 10:44 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 02:22 PM)

"Oh don't worry about flattery. I'm not so young and foolish as to not know what most men want, and I wasn't above using this face to get what I need for a long time. I'm sure that compliment had the same effect on you as it would have had the same effect on me. I just find people like it better when they here what a person thinks from that person, even the giants."

The thing was, my uncle was right about me, and it took me so long to realize it. When I left him on less than hospitable terms for several years, I learned that I was no better than a child entering adolescence, instead of someone reaching adulthood. That's why I've always called myself a little girl, even though most, if not all, people would say otherwise."

Anya moved another target, and was pleased when the arrow buried closer to the center of it, she was getting closer all the time.

"You speak of yourself as if you're just another pawn. Something tells me there's more too you than you let on. Loranna doesn't gather mere peasants like that, especially those from the Blue Dawn it seems. I suppose you have your reasons you keep that to yourself though. Just like I have mine for other things."

"I never noticed the eyes on Azurites. The ones I did see never got close to us, and I was a little busy with Twilights at the time to get a good look." Out of habit, she pushed her hand under her armor and massaged her wound feeling the scars, even though the pain was gone.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 10:53 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 03:44 PM)

"Those [censored]es will rip your arm right off, won't they?" Tris said. "I almost lost my right arm to them, scars never went away until... just recently.

"Since Loranna has gathered you, I'm thinking you're not a 'mere peasant' either. Me, I'm... well. Maybe it's possible to be a giant without knowing it."

He was quiet for a moment.

"You're no little girl. You've been doing different things, that's all, like me neglecting my schoolwork to run all the time. There are things you know that other people don't know, and things they expect you to know that you didn't have time for, that's all. So you have to catch up a little. That's nothing anyone has a right to punish you for."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:02 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 04:15 PM)

Later, Shaka watched a mason repair the crack in his guest room. He would pay the worker out of his own pocket; it was wrong to damage Loranna's castle in a fit of temper.

"Soon as the painter arrives, it'll be good as new," the mason said. "Better even. Of course matching the color's always tricky ..."

Goranthir arrived with a couple buckets of limewash in various hues of brown and beige. The mason handed him a gold piece from the advance he had collected from Shaka.

"Thank you, sir," Goranthir smiled. "Hello, Shaka. I didn't know this was for your room."

Posted by: One87xe Yesterday, 11:02 PM

*...One, Ami and Sona are debating what to do about the Rurio Clan threat...Trefist has been captured by Uniqua...and Hurst...well...time frame is current continuity...*

*...Hurst's Hut...Solstheim...as he finishes the last of his stew, and throws an extra log on the fire, Hurst takes a blanket from near the Hearth...the wind is howling as the blizzard seems to remain unending...he's just about to nod off when he hears something crunching through the snow...looking out the small window reveals nothing...as he goes to open the door, it's suddenly flung open, throwing Hurst backwards...three gray wolves step into the Hut...eyes gleaming with rage...without hesitation Hurst reaches above the Hearth for his twin maces...as he unsecures the first the first wolf makes a bolt for him...only to find seering pain as Hurst's mace finds his jaw...as the first wolf writhers in pain Hurst makes a move towards the fire grabbing the flaming timber from within...as Hurst keeps the wolves at bay he can hear their snap shut everytime they nip at his face...swinging wildly Hurst accidently ignites the blanket he just brought down...thinking fast he tosses the burning blanket on the closest wolf, igniting his fur and filling the Hut with smoke...as the two injured wolves block his escape the Northernmost wall begins to burn...then blaze...soon the entire hut is a firestorm as the unearthly howls and whines overtake the burning of the Hut...the third wolf gives out a roar as he darts off into the snow...just as the support beam comes crashing dobehind him...with little options left Hurst jumps through the solo window and out into the storms fury...he watches as the Hut burns to cinders...he then makes his way off into the blizzard...*

Posted by: Stargazey Yesterday, 11:04 PM

As he sits on the island, Isidor wanders about the two visitors. The guard of the Queen, or perhaps her lover, and that smarmy Breton, Tri-something. Well, not that Isidor was jealous, certainly not. He sat up a little straigher, and gazed out around him. "Beautiful" he said.

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:06 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:02 PM)

After a moment's surprise, Shaka shook his hand. "I've been hearing this morning that you're Barenziah's grandson. Why are you helping out, if I could ask?"

Shaka was already starting to think the young mer had unexpected depths.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:10 PM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 4 2005, 05:06 PM)

"So, I'm sitting at the Drunken Guar, having my lunch, and I start doing what adventurers do -- you know, asking people in the tavern if they have any quests," Goranthir began applying the base coat to the wall. "And this guy says, 'Yes, they need someone at the castle!' And I'm all excited, thinking Loranna and company have a new daedra or vampire they unearthed, and he says, 'Someone needs their room limewashed.'

"It wasn't exactly what I had in mind," Goranthir acknowledges, mixing two of the washes together carefully. "But I've done it before, when I marked up the walls of my father's throne room and I didn't want anyone to know ... And I didn't have anything particularly else to do today."

Goranthir grins. "And I earned a gold piece."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 11:13 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 02:53 PM)

"Those [censored]es will rip your arm right off, won't they?" Tris said. "I almost lost my right arm to them, scars never went away until... just recently.

"Or a head." She murmered, thinking back, "Yes they are mean little things. That's why I like my spear here, keeps them at arms reach."

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 02:53 PM)

"Since Loranna has gathered you, I'm thinking you're not a 'mere peasant' either. Me, I'm... well. Maybe it's possible to be a giant without knowing it."

He was quiet for a moment.

"You're no little girl. You've been doing different things, that's all, like me neglecting my schoolwork to run all the time. There are things you know that other people don't know, and things they expect you to know that you didn't have time for, that's all. So you have to catch up a little. That's nothing anyone has a right to punish you for."

"I do know one thing, though. Feelings and rational thought aren't mutual. What I feel and what I know I should feel are two seperate things most of the time.

"Maybe I am just a little girl, but than again I am standing her, talking with you. I was taught to be a survivor, though, and survivors do have a harder time fitting in here, if you think about it. I know how to keep myself alive through a problem, whereas present companions have a tendancy to try to end problems. This has caused some confusion with me as well. Is it possible to not be a giant at all, to be just caught up in choatic times?"

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:16 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:10 PM)

"It wasn't exactly what I had in mind," Goranthir acknowledges, mixing two of the washes together carefully. "But I've done it before, when I marked up the walls of my father's throne room and I didn't want anyone to know ... And I didn't have anything particularly else to do today."

Goranthir grins. "And I earned a gold piece."

Shaka had to smile back at that. Maybe Goranthir, whatever his grandmother had planned for him someday, would turn out to be one of the better royals after all. Over the years, he had seen young people like this one -- the ones who would surpass him and disappear down a bend in the road.

He envied him for a moment, remembering what it had been like to have all the youth and energy in the world, and still not really realize it.

I'm not even going to tell him that I'm going to paint a mural in here at some point, Shaka decided. Beige isn't going to cut it.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:19 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 04:13 PM)

"Or a head." She murmered, thinking back, "Yes they are mean little things. That's why I like my spear here, keeps them at arms reach."

"I do know one thing, though. Feelings and rational thought aren't mutual. What I feel and what I know I should feel are two seperate things most of the time.

"Maybe I am just a little girl, but than again I am standing her, talking with you. I was taught to be a survivor, though, and survivors do have a harder time fitting in here, if you think about it. I know how to keep myself alive through a problem, whereas present companions have a tendancy to try to end problems. This has caused some confusion with me as well. Is it possible to not be a giant at all, to be just caught up in choatic times?"

"If you're here," said Tris, reaching for her hand, "You're a hero. Loranna attracts heroes. It's her fate, and the shape of the paths that surround her; all heroes walk this way, and all who walk this way are heroes."

He looked at the ground. "That doesn't mean life is going to be comfortable, or even comprehensible, for you, or for anyone. Should feel. What the hell is that? You feel what you feel, that's all there is to it, there's no 'should feel.' It's what you do, not what you feel."

He laughed as if he were embarrassed by his own intensity.

"I know what you mean though. I like it when things get a little crazy. Peace-time, pleasure, I don't trust it. When things are too quiet I always try to muck it up."

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:28 PM

It took six coats of limewash to get the color to match the wall pretty close, and Goranthir and the room stunk of tar. Shaka had long since left and so was spared the curse. Goranthir opened the windows to let in some air, and set off for the bay to have a swim and clean himself up.

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 11:38 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 03:19 PM)

"I guess I have a hard time thinking of myself as a hero. I've lived as a theif, assassin, decidedly unheroic lifestyles. But I suppose it's where I take myself that matters. I don't suppose there were any times when you were playing a role you didn't feel suited for, Tris?"

Anya could still remember the laughter in her mind, the mocking voice, she hoped it wouldn't come back anytime soon, "I guess that's where we differ though. I could use some peace right now. When nightmares become reality, it's hard to trust yourself to see whats real and what isn't. You happened to catch me at a good moment."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Yesterday, 11:44 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 04:38 PM)

"I've never killed anyone for money," Tris said. "But I've done plenty of things I shouldn't have. Maybe a thief and assassin is just what we need right now, who knows? As for the nightmares... "

He shook his head. "I wouldn't trust anyone to know what's real right now. There are ghosts walking, Arkay's grip is slipping, and the world is coming apart at the seams."

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 11:52 PM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 03:44 PM)

"The Morag Tong do have some honor. Not heroic, but they're no Dark Brotherhood."

Giggling at the last remark, she commented, "Well Tris, you sure do know how to comfort someone. I do know one thing, I'm good at getting a job done when that job needs to be done discreetly. Who knows, it may prove handy, one thing I was taught is you can only take each day as they come. It's kept me alive so far."

Posted by: syronj Yesterday, 11:55 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:28 PM)

Though he had left during the limewashing, Shaka put another gold piece and a note in an envelope and gave them to a Royal Guard for Goranthir, later. The note said:

Here's another drake for a tip, and for the story. I also hope you will accept my apologies for yesterday's rudeness. I should have known that anyone accompanying your grandmother would have her class. Best of fortune for you, Goranthir.

Shaka

As he gave the envelope to the Guards, Shaka had an odd thought. Perhaps someday his gold piece would be the most prized possession of a commoner. A woman would say to her grandchildren, Goranthir himself bought my flowers with that.

Posted by: Sheogorath Yesterday, 11:56 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 05:52 PM)

A group of royal guards, led by the captain, entered the archery range.

"My apologies," said the captain. "I didn't realize anyone was here. Would you mind if my men practiced with you?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Yesterday, 11:59 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 03:56 PM)

A group of royal guards, led by the captain, entered the archery range.

"My apologies," said the captain. "I didn't realize anyone was here. Would you mind if my men practiced with you?"

"Hmm? Oh, sure, he and I were more talking that praticing. I don't mind." Anya grabbed her bow and moved out of the way.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:05 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 04:59 PM)

"Hmm? Oh, sure, he and I were more talking that praticing. I don't mind." Anya grabbed her bow and moved out of the way.

"Ah well," Tris said. He bowed deeply to Anya. "I think that's enough archery practice for one day."

He still had not so much as touched a bow.

Tris scanned the guards for Goranthir and didn't see him. He wondered where her Majesty was.

"If you'll pardon me," he said to Anya, and went to look for the Queen. Probably sleeping, since so many of her guards were away. Possibly alone. Last night he wouldn't have dreamed of intruding on her without an invitation; today he felt more sure of his standing.

Posted by: Arynel Today, 12:09 AM

Tracing his finger like an artist's brush over canvas Arynel carved indentions into the surface of the water, which gave way to ripples expanding outward and fading into the blue still. The Breton stood up straight and looked around, there were two perspectives from which Ald Raathim looked different, one was from atop the mountains, and the other was from in the waters. Currently, he was knee deep in the second.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:11 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 06:05 PM)

"If you'll pardon me," he said to Anya, and went to look for the Queen. Probably sleeping, since so many of her guards were away. Possibly alone. Last night he wouldn't have dreamed of intruding on her without an invitation; today he felt more sure of his standing.

It was easy to tell where the Queen Mother was simply by making note of where the guards were concentrated. She was in the herb garden with a pair of shears, pruning back a hybrid shalk bush.

"You caught me at manual labor, Tris," Barenziah laughed. "I couldn't stand to see this grown out like this. It kills itself if it grows too large. How are you?"

Posted by: Moonblink Today, 12:12 AM

Ahjaar woke up with a start. She was in the inn, sweating. That damned dream again....

She got up and headed out of the inn. It was about noon, and she had obviously slept in because of the events from yesterday.

She wasn't hungry, so she headed down to the beach for a swim.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:13 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 05:59 PM)

"Hmm? Oh, sure, he and I were more talking that praticing. I don't mind." Anya grabbed her bow and moved out of the way.

"I don't want to chase you away, my lady," the captain said. "Perhaps you want to practice with us? We could help each other get better."

The guards were already quite accomplished archers she could see that. The best of the best became Royal Guards.

Posted by: Arynel Today, 12:15 AM

QUOTE(Moonblink @ Aug 4 2005, 04:12 PM)

When she arrived at the beach, Ahjaar would be greeted by a Breton who was wading in the water.

"How goes the world, or at least, the part you know?" Arynel asked.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:16 AM

QUOTE(Moonblink @ Aug 4 2005, 06:12 PM)

The dark shape of Goranthir could be seen beneath the waves as she swam to the mangroves and back. He had only meant to get in long enough to get clean, but he had energy to burn.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 12:18 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 04:13 PM)

"Oh, you're too kind. What could this little girl teach to you, the Royal Gaurd?" She stiffled a laugh, not used to the formalites and discipline they had, "If you truly want, I suppose I could stay, you make accomplished archers indeed. Though even I can hit dead denter on a stationary target. Hit that lever by your foot."

Posted by: Moonblink Today, 12:18 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 4 2005, 06:15 PM)

When she arrived at the beach, Ahjaar would be greeted by a Breton who was wading in the water.

"How goes the world, or at least, the part you know?" Arynel asked.

"Oh hello," she said, nodding his way. "All, goes well, I guess."
She knew that was false, the damn dreams coming back, her not remebering ANYTHING. Yes, all would be well and dandy for her if she was insane.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:19 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:11 PM)

"Your majesty," Tris said, and bowed.

He wondered who had been letting the bush grow. Jazbet had loved it here; Tris could easily imagine a gardener who could no longer bear the memories of this place. Or perhaps the sleek pretty Khajiit had done it himself.

"Forgive me for not joining you," he said. "I have a horror of pruning things ever since earlier this year, when a noblewoman in Wayrest caught me picking one of her roses and condemned me to manual labor for a week. I'm well, thank you. And your majesty?"

Posted by: Arynel Today, 12:21 AM

QUOTE(Moonblink @ Aug 4 2005, 04:18 PM)

Arynel eyed her curiously for a moment.

“You seem troubled,” the Breton said, “would my insights be correct?”

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:21 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 06:18 PM)

"See, you've taught us something already," the captain laughed, as practice truly began.

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 12:22 AM

Isidor sat on his little island, looking over at Ald Rathiaam, only a few miles from his spot. Because of the pureness of the bay, he could see for miles. He thought he saw three figures standing by the beach. He recognized the head of the Dunmer from yesterday. "Pretty boy" he murmurred to himself.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:24 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 06:19 PM)

"Forgive me for not joining you," he said. "I have a horror of pruning things ever since earlier this year, when a noblewoman in Wayrest caught me picking one of her roses and condemned me to manual labor for a week. I'm well, thank you. And your majesty?"

Barenziah laughed. She held up her arm with the bracelet on it that Loranna had given her. "Well, I'm enchanted now. Did Loranna tell you about my reaction to getting this?"

Posted by: Moonblink Today, 12:25 AM

Ahjaar dove into the water. She felt refreashed and begain to swam to the shore, when a shadow of a figure swam under her. Anxiety flowed through her untill the figure came up, reavealing a young male dunmer. "Oh, hello." Ahjaar said, not relising she was adressing the queen's son.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:26 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:24 PM)

Barenziah laughed. She held up her arm with the bracelet on it that Loranna had given her. "Well, I'm enchanted now. Did Loranna tell you about my reaction to getting this?"

Tris smiled - Barenziah had a beautiful laugh. "She didn't mention it, your majesty. A present?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:28 AM

QUOTE(Moonblink @ Aug 4 2005, 06:25 PM)

Goranthir awkwardly tried to cover himself up while he treaded water, and not look too closely at the Khajiit. "Good day. Goranthir of Firsthold, my lady."

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 12:28 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 04:21 PM)

"See, you've taught us something already," the captain laughed, as practice truly began.

"I suppose so." she mused, "Tell me, how accurate are you with moving targets, Captian? I'm still learning myself."

Stretching the bowstring, she sighted down at the edge of the range. Hitting another lever, a second target began going by at a brisk pace, she released the arrow.

As the target stopped at the other side, she saw the arr had peirced what would pass for the left pectoral on a mer or man. "And I was happing for center mass, too. Head shots get even trickier."

Posted by: Arynel Today, 12:29 AM

“Very well then,” Arynel said as Ahjaar swam to the shore.

The Breton gulped down a breath of air and dove below the water.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:31 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 06:26 PM)

Tris smiled - Barenziah had a beautiful laugh. "She didn't mention it, your majesty. A present?"

"It gives stamina to old flesh," Barenziah rolled her eyes, turning back to the bush. "I thought it was a risque joke from you when she first told me, but she really meant it for me to be able to swim in the bay ... An awkward moment ..."

Barenziah looked back at Tris, and then back at the bush. "An awkward moment indeed."

Posted by: Moonblink Today, 12:33 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 06:28 PM)

Goranthir awkwardly tried to cover himself up while he treaded water, and not look too closely at the Khajiit. "Good day. Goranthir of Firsthold, my lady."

"Hello."
Her mind blanked and she grited her teeth. FIRSTHOLD???

She couldn't remeber what that was.
Damn my amneasia! she thought.

"Hello, Goranthir." was all she could say, then she went back under water, hoping he hadn't seen her blush.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:34 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 06:28 PM)

The Captain and his men were good. They could hit moving targets with excellent accuracy, and reacted well when different targets appeared at different times. She could tell that even though they all wore the same uniform, they all had different styles.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:37 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:31 PM)

It took a moment for Tris to get the joke, and then his thoughts escaped him before he could stop himself.

"Merciful Dibella, why would you need that - I'm sure you could eat me alive!"

His face flushed hot as he realized what he had said, and he too turned his attention to the bush.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:43 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 06:37 PM)

Barenziah held her hand to her mouth in mock shock: "What discretion! You know, it's young men like you who made me a twelve volume series, sir."

She took his arm. "I'm sorry, Tris, I don't mean to tease."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 12:45 AM

Loranna's Journal

I'm a fool. I've read Allie's letters until I started seeing them in my sleep, my mind boggled by the sheer number of things her words hinted at ... and I ended up missing the most obvious thing she was saying all along. I don't know sometimes how I manage to catch on to anything.

... Well, no matter; I know what has to be done now, and I'm scared. Had Tris come but a few days earlier, I don't think I'd feel quite so overwhelmed, but with recent events ...

The time is coming soon; we'll need to gather our strength. That's what Allie asked of me all along, and I was doing it, without even realizing it - maybe I did understand deep down in a part of me I don't know yet, maybe it's simply my fate. Maybe fate is just a part of you you don't know yet, I don't know ...

The Queen and her grandson are still here; I'm still waiting to talk to Nalion, Helgi if possible, about her proposal. It seems to me now the right thing to do; Ald Raathim would benefit all around, and if Helseth is a beast well he's still a King and not the worst one for the people he rules, and why invite more enemies than I already have? I'll be fighting against the rabid traditionalists my entire reign anyway, no matter what bed I lie in.

===

Loranna shuts her journal, rubbing her eyes; she had spent too much time trying to pull her thoughts together, after catching up with Tris.

"... I need to go find Isidor," she mutters, getting up and heading out, intent on finding the mighty Nord - though not at all sure what she'll say just yet.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:47 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:43 PM)

"I don't mean to tease either," Tris said. "I spent half of last night awake because of you. But I'd better drop that before I get into trouble."

He sounded more annoyed than he had meant to let himself sound.

"Usually I'm better behaved," he said. "Forgive me, your majesty. The truth is I came to talk business."

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 12:47 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 04:34 PM)

"Accomplished indeed. Though I think that big fellow might end up snapping his bow if he pulls back any farther. But I was thinking, practice has it's place, but it's better when something's on the line. I've got a handful of coins here, I propose a little contest, nothing special, just fun. We use a moving target, and both fire. The one with the best killing shot wins, I'll even let the rest of your Royal Gaurd judge, you seem like an honest and skilled lot. How about it? Have anything you'd care to wager?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:49 AM

QUOTE(Moonblink @ Aug 4 2005, 06:33 PM)

"Hello, Goranthir." was all she could say, then she went back under water, hoping he hadn't seen her blush.

Goranthir swam back to shore and his clothes. The traffic was entirely too busy for a relaxing skinny dip.

Posted by: Moonblink Today, 12:50 AM

Ahjaar swam to the shore and dressed, then headed to the Drunken Guar. Along the way she thought more about the dream she had that night. Who was that little girl? Who had taken her?

She pushed those thought to the back of her mind. She would know soon enough, maybe, if Loranna was able to reactivate her memory. If she could.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:51 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 06:47 PM)

"You do not have the reputation of someone who is overly well-behaved," Barenziah smiled. "But neither do I. Let us talk of business though."

The afternoon brought fresh perfumes to the garden as blooms opened, releasing their scents.

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 12:54 AM

After resting, Isidor jumps back into the water, and swims farther still. The water is fresh and pure, and he swims through, rested and returned to full energy.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:55 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 06:47 PM)

"Provided you have something of equal value," the captain said, reaching into his cuirass. He pulled out a pendant with an amber gem on the end. "It's Akaviri, left over from the Second Era."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 12:55 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:51 PM)

"Your majesty knows a great deal about me," Tris said. "So I assume one of the things you know is that I work for Allerleirauh - Mercy of the New Tribunal Temple. It occurs to me that your majesty's son might be interested in good relations with the new Temple, and the newly rebuilt city of Vivec."

Posted by: Arynel Today, 12:57 AM

Arynel's head and upper torso break the water's surface and the Breton takes a deep breath, followed by several other. After his breathing settles he steps out of the water and onto the beach, locates the rock under which he hid his clothes, dresses, and heads off towards the castle.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 12:57 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 06:55 PM)

"Of course," Barenziah nodded. "The Temple has been one of the most stalwart opposers to our reign, and Helseth and I have never been very popular in Vivec. What do you propose?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 01:02 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 04:55 PM)

"Provided you have something of equal value," the captain said, reaching into his cuirass. He pulled out a pendant with an amber gem on the end. "It's Akaviri, left over from the Second Era."

"And here I thought that it would be something simple as a few coins. Alright."

Reaching into her quiver strapped about her waist, she pulled out three blackened arrows. "I'm sure an archer of your skill can appreciate these three daedric arrows. Something like 15 were made in all of Vvardenfell, very rare indeed. And strong too, capable of peircing nearly any armor.

"I have yet to come across any word of there being more. I'm sure one in your line of work could enjoy an ace in his quiver for those rare moments. Do you find these of equal value?"

Posted by: Nalion Today, 01:02 AM

A hilltop near Ald Raathim

Whether Magnus' cloak is drawn or wide open to grace the world with light and magic, the stars shine upon the Mundus, and so it came to be that a figure stood upon a hilltop and looked skywards. A light breeze swept up the hill and rippled the figure's cloak. It pulled the cloak tighter around the shoulders and stood straight, never taking its gaze from the sky above.

The figure lifted his hands upwards as if calling to someone, then dropped them slowly. The shape's mouth began to move, in whispers barely audible, yet they seemed to carry far, far, even beyond the horizon. The figure seemed to speak at length at one time, then listening to something, then taking up the word again. The shape's hands began to move, as if explaining, at times as if ordering and giving directions, then instructive. However, while the figure spoke, it seemed to bend slowly and began to tremble and shake as if it spoke with more and more effort and as if the dialogue it seemed to hold was draining it. Then, after the final words seemed to have been said, the figure on the hilltop collapsed.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 01:03 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:57 PM)

"Of course," Barenziah nodded. "The Temple has been one of the most stalwart opposers to our reign, and Helseth and I have never been very popular in Vivec. What do you propose?"

Tris lowered his voice, leaning in close to her.

"I propose that I'd do anything for you, and that Allie is my dear good friend. I propose that I was about ready to rush off risking my life to save your son until it occurred to me that there were at least two reasons I could think of that you might know he wasn't going to die. The truth is that if his majesty of Morrowind doesn't do anything outrageous to antagonize her, I can see to it that Allie will pave his way with roses... and Master Arynel and Master Solin wouldn't know a political alliance if they tripped and fell over one."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:07 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 07:02 PM)

"Put up two of them," the captain smiled with confidence. "I would hate to have you lose all three. Shall we begin?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 01:10 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:07 PM)

"Put up two of them," the captain smiled with confidence. "I would hate to have you lose all three. Shall we begin?"

"Nor is he greedy, I thank you." Pulling her bow taunt, she called out, "Would one of you strapping men mind hitting the lever for us?"

Keeping both eyes open, and scanning the range since any of several targets could have been tripped since she left it up to the Gaurd, she waited for it to appear.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:13 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 07:03 PM)

"That is much more than I could ask for," Barenziah breathed, looking into Tris's eyes unblinking. "A proposal like that ... generally has a benefit for both parties."

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:16 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 4 2005, 07:10 PM)

The levers were thrown and the targets were launched. The captain's arrows flew out, and would have all been bullseyes except for a sudden stiff breeze he hadn't counted on, causing two of his arrows to go left of center and one to miss his target entirely.

It was still an excellent showing.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 01:18 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 06:13 PM)

"That is much more than I could ask for," Barenziah breathed, looking into Tris's eyes unblinking. "A proposal like that ... generally has a benefit for both parties."

"That's what I wanted, to give you something more than you would ask for," Tris said fiercely. "What I want... I can't ask for either. And it's worth much more than what I'm offering. So my gift is free; you owe me nothing."

Posted by: Moonblink Today, 01:19 AM

Ahjaar bought Kwama eggs and Nix hound meat at the bar. And ate. She thought about the dream so more; she couldn't get it off her mind. She was so deep in thought, she didn't notice Arynel sit down next to her.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 01:20 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 4 2005, 07:18 PM)

"What else can I say before an overwhelming generous offer," Barenziah kissed him softly. "But I accept?"

Posted by: Arynel Today, 01:21 AM

QUOTE(Moonblink @ Aug 4 2005, 05:19 PM)

Arynel sat down next to Ahjaar, though the Khajiit did not seem to notice.

"You seemed troubled, earlier," the Breton said, "Is there something bothering you?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 01:23 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 05:16 PM)

The captain managed to get his arrow off first, Anya saw out of the corner of her eye fustrating her a bit. He is good, he's captain for a reason. The breeze caught her too, causing the first arrow to hit the left pectoral again and the second to hit mid abdomen. By the last shot, she had compensated for the wind, but it was still off, ending up just below the throat.

As the targets hit the sides and stopped vibrating, she held her breath to see the outcome.

Posted by: Moonblink Today, 01:25 AM

QUOTE(Arynel @ Aug 4 2005, 07:21 PM)

Arynel sat down next to Ahjaar, though the Khajiit did not seem to notice.

"You seemed troubled, earlier," the Breton said, "Is there something bothering you?"

Ahjaar was surprised. "Oh, hello. Um, do I know you?"
She looked at thr Breton, trying to recgionise him. He was somewhat vaugely familar.
"Are you a freind of Shaka?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 01:26 AM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Aug 4 2005, 06:20 PM)

"What else can I say before an overwhelming generous offer," Barenziah kissed him softly. "But I accept?"

Tris kissed her, fighting back the urge to bite her mouth. "If you knew how I feel right now," he said, "You wouldn't kiss me in a public place. I have answers for your Majesty's questions, should you ask them. And I have three questions I would like to ask, on the day that I decide to risk you killing me."

Posted by: Arynel Today, 01:29 AM

QUOTE(Moonblink @ Aug 4 2005, 05:25 PM)

Ahjaar was surprised. "Oh, hello. Um, do I know you?"
She looked at thr Breton, trying to recgionise him. He was somewhat vaugely familar.
"Are you a freind of Shaka?"

Arynel smiled, “Would you rephrase that as ‘Is Shaka a friend of yours?’” He asked. “To answer, I would tell you to ask him, as for myself I am a friend to whoever needs one.”

The Breton paused to ask the barkeep for a plate of slaughterfish bits, and then he turned once again to Ahjaar.

“Who are you a friend to?”