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

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:13 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!

===

Summary:

Loranna, and her companions, have recently experienced a shift in reality, finding themselves in a world where Azura emerged victorious in the Blue Dawn. The heroes who used the Eiodolon to defeat her never made it, and now Azurites were fighting against Captain Cyndarius's men for Ald Raathim. Dres Jazbet, with his Lady Kethiah, control the castle, Jazbet's precognition making him a deadly foe, and the heroes were forced to flee to town, which Cyndarius's men controlled.

The Eight who were to go to Allerleirauh, bearing the Mythopoeic Tome, have been chosen and entered the spheres though Diamond was forced to turn back at Kyne's gate. Goranthir has joined the party, however, and now the new Eight, with a guide (Saint Deothur of Dibella), have sojurned through the realms of Akatosh, Kyne, Dibella, Arkay, and Julianos.

Meanwhile, Cyndarius, the 103rd Legion, and those who did not go with the Eight make their way through Skyrim to the fallen Imperial City, hoping to rescue the Emperor from the Azurites. His men have recently joined up with the 95th Legion, and have encountered some more heroes and refugees, including Gram Pyrel, last seen heading out to Skyrim. The legions and the heroes conintue their march, praying for the success of the Eight.

Oh ... it's also snowing out. Cats and dogs.

Posted by: Argonians rule Today, 05:17 AM

Falco Redflash, male argonian rogue is currently in the back of the group.

Hulayn, male argonian rouge is currently with his own band of bandits, posing as refugees from Ald Raathim, so that they might escape the province.

IC: Hulayn for the first time since he joined this little march saw Falco, a face recognized. He noticed Falco had been talking to Gram. He sidled over next to the nord. "So, my good nord, what do you know of that yonder rogue?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 05:18 AM

Summary: Anya, the Bosmeri Rogue left mute by an encounter with her sister's shade, is among the Eight travelling through the Outer Realm.

Posted by: Sheogorath Today, 05:20 AM

Summary

Goranthir, one of the Eight, is the son of King Reman and Queen Morgiah of Firsthold, nephew of King Helseth of Morrowind, and grandson of the legendary Queen Mother Barenziah. He is with the others, having left the sphere of Julianos. His worst experience so far has been in the sphere of Arkay, where the ghosts, for some reason, really took an active dislike for him.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:20 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Aug 23 2005, 11:17 PM)

"Hmm?" Gram asks, looking over Hulayn briefly. "He and I are acquaintances," he says. "Why do you ask?"

Posted by: Argonians rule Today, 05:22 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 23 2005, 07:20 PM)

"Hmm?" Gram asks, looking over Hulayn briefly. "He and I are acquaintances," he says. "Why do you ask?"

"Well I also am an aquaintance. I practically raised the little tike." Hulayn gazed off into the sky, fondly remembering the time Falco was in his group.

Posted by: Aki Today, 05:24 AM

OOC Summary

Reichi, one of the eight choosen to fix the cracks in reality, is with the others in the spheres of the Divines...and they have currently passing out of Julianos' realm..

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:27 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Aug 23 2005, 11:22 PM)

"Well I also am an aquaintance. I practically raised the little tike." Hulayn gazed off into the sky, fondly remembering the time Falco was in his group.

"Ahh, I see," Gram says, glancing over at Falco and thinking So, that would mean you're the person to blame for Falco's petulant hatred of authority, hmm ...

"He's a fine lad, from what I've seen," Gram says, his grin hidden by his beard. "Ye should be proud ..."

Posted by: Tri Today, 05:27 AM

The past few chapters have been hell for Marein, Diamond, and Shai; after being turned back at the gate on the bridge, they were attacked by Azurites, Marein's former fiance Celeste among them. In the ensuing battle, Celeste was killed by Marein, Diamond injured mortally by Celeste, Shai bloodied badly by Celeste's twilight, and Marein wounded emotionally by all this.

They are now travelling to the Capital with Cyndarius and his men, in the mobile infirmary. Shai has explained the problem to Teleran, Marein is brooding, and Diamond is unconscious. She won't wake for quite a while, probably until the Eight are back.

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 05:28 AM

(Summary)

Isidor, loveable but clusmy Nord, is with the eight, passing through the portal out of Julianos's realm.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 05:29 AM

OOC SUMMARY:

Luxi has just stepped through the gate, and has noticed that she is in her full spirit form; a 20 year old woman with blue skin. (blue symbolizes inner strengh to me, makes sense for Luxi)

Posted by: Argonians rule Today, 05:32 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 23 2005, 07:27 PM)

"Fine lad indeed!" Hulayn laughed deeply then, before looking o see if Gram's gold purse had been cut yet. "I hope he hasn't been driving you crazy. He was with me only 3 years, and I'm still recovering." Hulayn was 53, although he looked much younger. He was extremely handsome. Although any non-argonian probably wouldn't notice this though. He had two large frills coming from his head, and a large horn on the tip of his snout. At his belt was a saber, and a sharp steel knife. He wore a full suit of netch leather, with a grey cloak. Although the others in his group wouldn't believe it he loved Falco as a father loves a son. Hulayn then looked to his side to see Tsei as well. "well hello there... My name is Hulayn. Yours is?"

Posted by: syronj Today, 05:38 AM

Summary: Shaka, an Argonian battlemage, is on the move with the Legion attempting the rescue of the Emperor and the capital.

Shaka continued to wear layers of clothing over the Dragonbone Cuirass and the rest of his armor. He had adjusted somewhat to the mountain cold over the past week, but still found his thoughts more sluggish than normal.

As he walked in a loose group near the vanguard, Shaka took out the Akaviri amulet that Anya had given him at the last minute before travelling to the Spheres. Ancient, rare, the amber gem within still seemed nearly as good as when it had been mounted by an artificer long since turned to dust.

I can have this enchanted someday, Shaka realized, if I choose. It should be able to handle some powerful spells. He would have to think long and hard before choosing which. Or perhaps he would leave it as a token of his beloved rogue.

More than the cold, it chilled Shaka to think what the island part of Vvardenfell must be like in this alternate world. Had Kratos realized yet that the Ordinators probably still existed here, and served Azura now, in Vivec City? Did the moon still hang in Vivec's sky, hollowed out as if by maggots, still filled with Inquisitor's cells and interrogation chambers?

He nearly stopped walking when he thought of the love of his youth, Ahanassi. Had she survived the Blue Dawn? Had she landed on her feet, as always, perhaps running from the fanatics with her Redguard friend, the acrobatic gladiator Ceyndie?

Shaka walked on. Ghosts, all ghosts now, he had to think of them that way. If the Eight succeeded and returned, Shaka's place was with Anya and the rest of Loranna's companions. He wished he could make Marein understand that. Shaka had never known Celeste, so he couldn't ever understand how difficult it was for Marein to lose her again.

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 05:41 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Aug 23 2005, 11:32 PM)

"Falco's friend. Tsei."

Posted by: serakit Today, 05:45 AM

Kokotr an Orc smith has met up with the legionares and now ofers his help to repair their armor and weapons. He now wanders aimlessly through the marching soldiers wondering how long it will take him to finish his work.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 05:46 AM

QUOTE(Argonians rule @ Aug 23 2005, 11:32 PM)

Gram's purse is securely on his belt, and Gram replies "Don't worry about it; he's been a fine companion."

Clearing his throat, Gram says "Ah, pardon me a moment friend; I need to see if I can't liberate a small libation of mead. This old man;s throat is getting scratchy." He grins and walks off.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 05:47 AM

Herwyn Brand stepped through the gate, leaving the realm of logic, his admittedly un-noteworthy agility, and most importantly, the last shreds of his physical body behind.

On the other side, he was still Herwyn Brand, still wore a fine, sombre suit, but the grime and wear of months away from home were gone. His hair was perfectly groomed, and his skin radiant and ageless. His tunic shone with perfect blackness, his undershirt spotlessly white and starched. Nowhere was a wrinkle out of place.

He looked at Luxi. "You're lovely, as I would've expected."

Posted by: SpartanShea117 Today, 05:55 AM

Summary: Kratos is on the march with Cyndarius' troops on their way to rescue the emperor from the Azurites.

Posted by: syronj Today, 05:56 AM

Shaka squeezed through the tent flaps of the mobile infirmary. "Shai, you seem to be better," he said, glancing at the pert Bosmer whose red eyes hinted at dunmer blood.

Marein seemed withdrawn still, so Shaka didn't attempt to speak with him just yet.

Keeping his voice low, Shaka asked Shai: "What's the outlook for Diamond? Is she going to make it?"

Posted by: Asokei Today, 05:56 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 23 2005, 10:47 PM)

"Thanks." She smiled. "Don't forget that I'm tweleve. This is smiply my spirit's apperance."

She looked around, eximining her suroundings.

(AND THAT WOULD BE...?)

Posted by: Tri Today, 05:57 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 23 2005, 07:56 PM)

"I don't know," said Shai bluntly. "She'll have to be a real fighter to push through this. She's blessed not to be a fighter; she may never walk straight or unsupported again. A cut like that, I'm surprised she's alive at all. It was deep to the bone before we bandaged it. We can only hope..."

A small lizard-like creature crept up onto Diamond's hand, which twitched slightly.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 05:58 AM

The sphere of Mara was warm, very warm, and dimly lit. The light, what there was of it, had a rosy, radiant quality, and sounds were muffled. Moving became, at once, both harder and easier, as if they were weightless, but at the same time, cushioned and held back by an invisible force.

It was like being underwater. Almost just like. Except that they could breathe. It was endless, eternal bliss.

Then the world pulsed, a sound low and omnipresent and commanding, and energy filled the tired limbs of the Eight adventurers. For a moment, it was almost too much to bear.

Posted by: SpartanShea117 Today, 05:59 AM

Kratos caught up with Cyndarius on his horse and spoke, "By the gods this snow is damn irretating is it not?" He looked down and saw fur poking out of his frozen but still golden armor.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:00 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 23 2005, 11:56 PM)

"Thanks." She smiled. "Don't forget that I'm tweleve. This is smiply my spirit's apperance."

She looked around, eximining her suroundings.
(AND THAT WOULD BE...?)

"He's right; you are lovely," Loranna says. "Your age back on Nirn matters not, here."

Loranna's own appearance had shifted, much like Herwyn's; gone were any signs of the fight in her own castle, the tears in her robe. In fact, her outfit never looked better, and had even become slightly diaphanous, the better to compliment her changing but still beautiful figure.

She runs her fingers through her hair, and smiles.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:01 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 23 2005, 10:58 PM)

"He's right; you are lovely," Loranna says. "Your age back on Nirn matters not, here."

"Your right, it does not. But we need to concerntrat on the probelm at hand"

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 10:58 PM)

Luxi shut her eyes in pain as the energy filled her.

She opened her eyes, and looked around.
"This place is... strange.."

She pushed her arms up then down, making her go into the air.
"Heh, I can fly! Or.. erm.. swim!"

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:03 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 09:58 PM)

Somehow, it seemed to Herwyn that it was appropriate to be here without his old, worn body.

"Don't leave the bridge," he said calmly but seriously to Luxi.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 06:03 AM

Slyvos looked at himself a bit, grinning.

'whoa, I got to keep the tail...'

He felt for his ears, finding that they were still that of a khajiit... his body was more merish now though, like his true self, beginning to become flawless. He looked to Loranna, and smiled.

'you're true self has changed quite a bit.'

Posted by: Aki Today, 06:04 AM

QUOTE

The sphere of Mara was warm, very warm, and dimly lit. The light, what there was of it, had a rosy, radiant quality, and sounds were muffled. Moving became, at once, both harder and easier, as if they were weightless, but at the same time, cushioned and held back by an invisible force.

It was like being underwater. Almost just like. Except that they could breathe. It was endless, eternal bliss.

Then the world pulsed, a sound low and omnipresent and commanding, and energy filled the tired limbs of the Eight adventurers. For a moment, it was almost too much to bear.

Reichi took a moment to take in his surroundings. "Wow..." he muttered. He shook off his awe and pulse, and began moving forward. Carefully, due to the unusual water-like sluggishness.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:05 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 23 2005, 11:03 PM)

Somehow, it seemed to Herwyn that it was appropriate to be here without his old, worn body.

"Don't leave the bridge," he said calmly but seriously to Luxi.

Luxi landed back on the bridge. "I wont." she smiled.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:06 AM

QUOTE(SpartanShea117 @ Aug 23 2005, 09:59 PM)

Kratos caught up with Cyndarius on his horse and spoke, "By the gods this snow is damn irretating is it not?" He looked down and saw fur poking out of his frozen but still golden armor.

Tamriel:

Cyndarius looked over at the mer and smiled. His own breastplate was covered with frost.

"I could do without it, that's for certain," he said, good-naturedly.

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 06:08 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:58 PM)

Isidor felt both pain and pleasure at the same time. It was, up to now, the oddest sensation he had ever felt.

Isidor looked younger, more pure. The scratches on his arms were gone. His hair was bright blonde, no longer the dullish color it had become, in his exile.

He tried to move foward, but felt water logged. "Let's get moving." He said.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:09 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Aug 23 2005, 11:04 PM)

Reichi on the other hand, looked more ...bestial. Fangs could be glimpsed when he talked, and if he removed his gloves it was clear his fingernails had blackened and lengthened into short claws. He had only given up one physical attribute thus far however,ad thus hadn't been altered much thus far. His armor shone brighter, and was unmarred, though he hadn't been marred in the first place. He grinned a fanged grin.
Reichi took a moment to take in his surroundings. "Wow..." he muttered. He shook off his awe and pulse, and began moving forward. Carefully, due to the unusual water-like sluggishness.

"Isn't this cool, Reichi?"
Luxi, as if in slow motion, jumped up into the air, hoverd for a moment, then came back down.

Posted by: Aki Today, 06:10 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:09 AM)

"Isn't this cool, Reichi?"
Luxi, as if in slow motion, jumped up into the air, hoverd for a moment, then came back down.

"Careful, the bridge is narrow, and we do know what happens when you step of the bridge, might want to avoid needing Loranna to throw more healing spells," Rechi cautioned.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:10 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:58 PM)

Loranna shivers a bit, feeling the energy enter her, and the resistance in the air. " ... Like a mother's touch holding you up but holding you back, lest you wander too far ...?" she asks no one in particular.

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Aug 24 2005, 12:03 AM)

"Has it?" she asks, looking down at herself. " ... I suppose it has," she says. Her voice sounded slightly different, as well, but it was hard to tell just how.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:12 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Aug 23 2005, 11:10 PM)

"Careful, the bridge is narrow, and we do know what happens when you step of the bridge, might want to avoid needing Loranna to throw more healing spells," Rechi cautioned.

"Mph." Luxi turned around in slow-mo, and began to walk down the bridge with the others.

Posted by: SpartanShea117 Today, 06:16 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 23 2005, 09:06 PM)

Cyndarius looked over at the mer and smiled. His own breastplate was covered with frost.

"I could do without it, that's for certain," he said, good-naturedly.

He looked back up to the Imperial on his mount, "Yes I don't know how these Nords do it." He reached back into his pack and pulled out a frozen slice of bread, stared at it for a moment, then put it back in his pack, "Oh well I can wait till we make camp again."

He continued to march for awhile then spoke again, "Cyndarius do you think that all of my brethren have come back, I mean ones that might have refused Azura's offer as I had."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 06:16 AM

Slyvos shuddered a bit, his eyes turning green, and his skin darkned to be more... dunmerish.

'{ahhh, good to actually show through more.}'

He noticed he still had claws, flexing them.

'{yesss, I like this part... but not this place.}'

His body returned to slyvos' true form, his eyes becoming their natural color and lacking a glow.

'... I really need to do something about him.'

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 06:17 AM

Anya stared, wide-eyed. A giddy feeling was welling up inside of her. "It's so... comfy."

She smiled, the giddiness swelling into almost pure happiness. She had talked again. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something about it, but the words remained out of reach. She knew them, but she couldn't use them. Why could I talk? Why did it happen then, when I so alive? Tears welled up in her eyes.

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 06:19 AM

Isidor reached into his pocket, and examined the Truthflower. It was starting to wilt, already. He looked to Deothur "Do these grow wildly anywhere? In Tamriel that is."

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:19 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 23 2005, 11:17 PM)

Luxi watched Anya, concerned. "Are you ok?" she asked, seeing her panicing.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:20 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 23 2005, 11:12 PM)

"Mph." Luxi turned around in slow-mo, and began to walk down the bridge with the others.

"Please be careful," Deothur said in a low voice. "This realm is the most dangerous yet... you've left the bridge already, it may be too late. We don't want her to know we're here."

He smiled at Isidor. "They grow in only one valley, in Colovia, and the location is my dearest secret."

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:23 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:20 PM)

"umm... her?" Luxi was confused. Who were they worried about?

Posted by: Stargazey Today, 06:27 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:23 AM)

"umm... her?" Luxi was confused. Who were they worried about?

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:20 AM)

"That's a shame. There's a friend of mine on Mundus that I would love to give this to." "Someone I love." He added, hoping to hit the Dibellian's heatstrings. He frowned and said "Her? Not Mara herself, surely?"

Posted by: syronj Today, 06:27 AM

QUOTE(Tri @ Aug 23 2005, 11:57 PM)

Shaka hadn't noticed the lizard yet. He glanced over at Teleran. So damned young, Shaka thought. He couldn't be more than several years older than Goranthir, yet Teleran had fought with Loranna's companions the previous year, as far as Shaka was aware.

Shai had the kind of stillness that Shaka had known unarmed combat masters to be capable of, hinting at coiled power.

"If I can ask, where did you and Shai serve with Loranna, Teleran?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 06:27 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 23 2005, 10:19 PM)

Luxi watched Anya, concerned. "Are you ok?" she asked, seeing her panicing.

Anya wiped her eyes, and nodded dumbly. She went to talk, but found she still couldn't. Why won't I say something?

She took a deep breath and settled down. What was that? I don't normally cry so easily. She remembered that passing through the spheres stripped away wordly meanings and facades. Is this what I'm like?

Anya looked at Lotus. He was agitated, flitting back and forth among the group. You don't like the close feeling, do you? He just clacked his beack at her.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:31 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 23 2005, 11:27 PM)

"Are you sure...?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:36 AM

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Aug 23 2005, 11:27 PM)

"I have been known," Deothur said, smiling, "To tell my secrets, to those I love.

"Yes. Herself. All goddesses are what remains of She who was before the Sundering. But Mara is the most of Her, the one who was raped and made a mother. This place had teeth, once upon a time. On Nirn, where you came from, she still has teeth, the insects that bite and vines that scratch, monstrous and natural, that seek to devour the mother's own children. Here she is mostly kind, but she remembers. Do not provoke her."

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 06:38 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 23 2005, 10:31 PM)

"Are you sure...?"

Anya frowned. She felt such serenity, such understanding, coming from this twelve year old girl.

Am I sure? Haunted and tormented by my sister's shade. Lost in a world of stark truth. Mute and emotional. Scared, worried, in love, changing. I'm everything but alright.

She smiled. Nodded her head yes at Luxi, and let herself open up to the close feeling in the sphere. Lotus halted next to her and shook his head, knowing that she was far from alright as well.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:36 PM)

Luxi nodded. "I see..." She moved to the middle of the bridge.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:36 AM)

Loranna shivers once, her brow furrowed.

"I hope to be a mother someday; I already have a child of my womb," she mutters. "My own mother ..."

She shakes her head. "There will be time enough to ponder motherhood when the world is made right again; let us move on - gently, and quietly."

Posted by: Teleran Today, 06:42 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 23 2005, 09:27 PM)

“Serve? Haha, you make it sound like a military posting,” Teleran laughed, “I was never in the Legion and I’m too disruptive to be any sort of fit in the Ordinators, ALMSIVI knows they’d have had to kill me for insubordination within the week."

"I’ve been traveling with Loranna since Gnisis, joined up because it seemed like it would be interesting at the time, it hasn’t disappointed, and I met Shai when we were returning from Gemin in Narsis." He smiled at the memory. "If I remember correctly she was staring at me so intently I almost climbed the nearest building in fright and she wouldn’t talk to me for a few days beyond slamming doors in my face. Since then, we were both present at Red Mountain, though I think she managed to do a bit more in the battle, I just gave the eidolon a shove, she saved Sen-Yedda’s life. For battles, that’s about the biggest one I’ve seen, and I’d rather not see it again, too much death there.”

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:43 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 23 2005, 11:38 PM)

Luxi tilted her head. "Can you even speak?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 06:44 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 23 2005, 10:43 PM)

Luxi tilted her head. "Can you even speak?"

Anya just shrugged and shook her head no.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:44 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 23 2005, 11:41 PM)

Luxi smiled at Loranna. "You and Slyvos are going to have a child?"

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 06:46 AM

QUOTE(SpartanShea117 @ Aug 23 2005, 10:16 PM)

"Yeah," said Cyndarius, "Neither do I."

It was a funny thing to say, since he was most obviously a Nord, and Aricyn, his full brother, was the most Nordly Nord possible. Still, he said it.

"Kratos," he said, a serious note to his voice, "I think that all of your brethren, regardless of their choices, are probably here in this world. But I also think that you shouldn't consider this place too much. It's temporary... a dream. Like my dad used to say, thinking about what could'a been doesn't get the cows milked."

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:46 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 23 2005, 11:44 PM)

Anya just shrugged and shook her head no.

Luxi weaved a spell of dispell upon Anya, hoping for the best.

Posted by: Tri Today, 06:46 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Aug 23 2005, 08:42 PM)

“Serve? Haha, you make it sound like a military posting,” Teleran laughed, “I was never in the Legion and I’m too disruptive to be any sort of fit in the Ordinators, ALMSIVI knows they’d have had to kill me for insubordination within the week."

"I’ve been traveling with Loranna since Gnisis, joined up at the time because it seemed like it would be interesting at the time, it hasn’t disappointed, and I met Shai when we were returning from Gemin in Narsis." He smiled at the memory. "If I remember correctly she was staring at me so intently I almost climbed the nearest building in fright and she wouldn’t talk to me for a few days beyond slamming doors in my face. Since then, we were both present at Red Mountain, though I think she managed to do a bit more in the battle, I just gave the eidolon a shove, she saved Sen-Yedda’s life. For battles, that’s about the biggest one I’ve seen, and I’d rather not see it again, too much death there.”

From the makeshift bed in the wagon, Shai punched him playfully. "We kissed for the first time there, didn't we?" She smiled proudly at Shaka. "So modest, you know...there are those who would boast relentlessly about even touching the Eidolon - Falco here, for instance...

"Speaking of our relationship, by the way, Shaka - what is it with you and Anya? Why so reserved?"

Posted by: Shardie Today, 06:48 AM

The Battle for the Pale Pass had drawn on too long, the Azurite Commander thought. His troops were weary with the fighting, and thier supplys had dwindled down. But it would be the same for the force defending the pass. Although the armies were about the same size, it had been nothing but stalemate for the entire battle. But thier orders were clear. Go to the Pale Pass and secure it so no reinforcements could get through to the Imperial City. The battle was still raging, although much of the city had been subsuded, it cost many Azurite lives to breach the walls, and in the fearce street to street combat, many more. The Docklands and the area around the White-Gold Tower, were holding out, a vicious battle for every house, The Imperial Palace was still under imperial command, but the fate of the Emperor was unknown, the Elder coucil was scattering to the winds, and victory seemed only a matter of time. One final Push, he thought, One final push and we can overcome the stockade that defends the pass. He ordered his men to get into formation, the Storm was clearing, and they could see the wood rampants protecting the pass from there

Five miles to the south, on a snowy hill, Landon looked through his spyglass to the enemy formation. He slowly passed it to the senior blade who accompanied the Potentate, "Pittyful Formation" he spat, "Thier commander is foolish. they would not stand it if a much stronger army pushed through. I am surprised under the command of such amitures they even took the Imperial City!" He rose the spyglass to the stockade, just under the clouds
"Will they hold out?" Arisa asked
"Sure they will" Landon replied, "The final battle for Pale Pass is at hand, they are reading thier forces. As the battle begins, we shall charge through the centre, and sieze thier commander!"
"But the Potentate has to get to Winterhold Safely!" The blade replied, "We cant go after thier commander so suddenly! We must cut a path through the enemy army to the pass!"
"This is not some Video Game!" Landon replied
"Perhaps" the Potentate said, "We should wait to see what happens"

Posted by: Loranna Today, 06:48 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:44 AM)

Luxi smiled at Loranna. "You and Slyvos are going to have a child?"

Loranna looks over to Slyvos, her eyes telling him that she had caught the brief emergance of his dark side.

" ... I'd hoped to, if it was meant to be," she says. "Healthy Nord children with soft fur, like their father."

Posted by: Asokei Today, 06:51 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 23 2005, 11:48 PM)

Luxi tilted her head and studied Loranna. She knew she wasn't telling her something.

She shruged, then turned to Anya.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 06:55 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 23 2005, 11:51 PM)

Luxi tilted her head and studied Loranna. She knew she wasn't telling her something.

She shruged, then turned to Anya.

That was when they first saw the fish.

It was a big, fat, round fish, bigger than a guar, bigger than a silt strider, and it moved very swiftly through the water - or was it air?

The fish flew over to Luxi, contemplated her, then opened its mouth and sucked her in.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 06:55 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 23 2005, 10:46 PM)

Luxi weaved a spell of dispell upon Anya, hoping for the best.

Anya felt the spell wash over her, and she hoped as well. Though she knew that it wouldn't work; it was a mental block driven straight into her mind, not some spell. She made me like this for a reason, she wanted to teach me something. What is it? What was it that let me do it those few times?

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 10:55 PM)

"Luxi!" She momentarily hesitated at her shout, but brushed it aside. She laid her hand on her spear, ready to equip it, and stared defiantly at the fish. Lotus, go! Lotus flew up and hovered near the fish, ready to obey Anya.

Posted by: syronj Today, 06:59 AM

QUOTE(Tri @ Aug 24 2005, 12:46 AM)

From the stretcher-like bed, Shai punched him playfully. "We kissed for the first time there, didn't we?" She smiled proudly at Shaka. "So modest, you know...there are those who would boast relentlessly about even touching the Eidolon - Falco here, for instance...

"Speaking of our relationship, by the way, Shaka - what is it with you and Anya? Why so reserved?"

Shaka had to smile slightly back. He was beginning to see why Teleran and Shai had a past. "I have to salute those of you who knew Loranna back then. I was away from Vvardenfell when the Blue Dawn occurred, and when Red Mountain went up. Hard for me to imagine those apocalyptic days."

"Anya . . . Yeah, I have to admit I'm reserved by nature. Not easy for me to find love." He thought for a moment. "She's a survivor, lost almost everything in her life not once but twice; enslaved as a child, orphaned again by the Blue Dawn. The thief part of her I was able to get past, but I never thought I'd fall for a onetime assassin. . . .

If she succeeds and the Eight bring back the reality that was meant to be, I'll try to be worthy of her."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:00 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:55 AM)

Loranna stares in shock, totally unsure what to do next.

"Luxi!" She raises her hands, her mind trying to figure out what to do next. Try to weaken the fish, pull Luxi out? Cast calm on it? Ask Goran to talk it into letting Luxi go?

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:01 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 10:55 PM)

"By the...!"

Herwyn never seemed to finish his oaths.

"Nobody do anything... violent!

"Goranthir...?"

Posted by: Aki Today, 07:01 AM

"What the flying [censored]!?" Reichi blurted out as he watched the fish. "What in the world was that?"

Posted by: Tri Today, 07:03 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 23 2005, 08:59 PM)

Marein had been walking in a deep reverie, not looking where he was going, but now he looked up briefly. "Tris was right," he growled. "Don't talk about how useless you are, it'll eat you up. Anya loves you..."

Then he returned to his thoughts, muttering about his own uselessness and love.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:05 AM

Deothur said a single word, which, while not very polite, was, it must be admitted, often heard in connection with Dibella.

"Spit her out, please," he said to the fish.

The fish rotated its eyes to look at him, then swam away.

Goranthir's persuasion had no better result. The fish was not interested in being talked to.

Posted by: syronj Today, 07:08 AM

QUOTE(Tri @ Aug 24 2005, 01:03 AM)

Shaka was walking near the healers' wagon too. "Thanks, Marein," he said. "I can't know how hard it was for you . . . with Celeste. I'm sorry. But you're not useless. You helped Diamond and Shai when they needed it, and Loranna's cause when she needed it."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:08 AM

Inside the fish, Luxi found herself in...

...what appeared to be a small, thatched cabin, much like the house she had grown up in, in Dagon Fel. There was a fire, and a stool by the fire, and at the stool sat an old Khajiit woman, stitching a quilt.

"That's much better, dear," the old woman said. "Help yourself to something to eat."

There was a cookpot over the fire. In it was a stew. It smelled wonderful.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 07:10 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:08 AM)

Inside the fish, Luxi found herself in...

...what appeared to be a small, thatched cabin, much like the house she had grown up in, in Dagon Fel. There was a fire, and a stool by the fire, and at the stool sat an old woman, stitching a quilt.

"That's much better, dear," the old woman said. "Help yourself to something to eat."

There was a cookpot over the fire. In it was a stew. It smelled wonderful.

Luxi looked around, confused. "There was this fish... and umm.. it... Where am I?"

Posted by: Teleran Today, 07:10 AM

QUOTE(syronj @ Aug 23 2005, 10:08 PM)

“I didn’t touch it,” Teleran said. “Setting it was Reichi’s job. I just moved it into position via telekinesis. After what happened when we found the Eidolon I wasn’t allowed near it, I almost fried myself.”

“Look at what happened to that village back there,” Teleran said, “Then replace the snow with ash. As for the battle, I’m sure you’ll get a taste of it in Cyrodiil.”

Looking at Marein muttering he added, “I think I’ll go see what’s happening at the front of the column now, see if they need an extra scout or something.” He hopped out and immediately regretted that he had left his thick coat in the wagon.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:12 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 01:05 AM)

Loranna looks to the others. "So, how do we catch up with that? Last sphere we were still a little too unreal to go far without lots of pain."

She felt stupid; a hero was supposed to be more on the ball than this ... Her brow was furrowed and her fingers kept flexing.

Posted by: Tri Today, 07:12 AM

Marein didn't respond to Teleran or Shaka.

Shai went back to a recuperative sleep.

The lizard on Diamond's hand scampered off.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:12 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:10 AM)

Luxi looked around, confused. "There was this fish... and umm.. it... Where am I?"

"Safe," said the old woman.

Her quilt had 12 squares. Luxi could see that the quilt was patterned with all sorts of fascinating things, in a bold, playful style. There were people, brown skinned, pink skinned, yellow skinned, grey skinned. There were animals: horses, bumblebees, netch, guar. There were trees and flowers. In fact the quilt seemed to have everything you could have ever thought of to put on a quilt.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 07:14 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:12 AM)

Luxi looked around. The smell from the cookin pot taunted her, begging her to taste it, but she resisted.
She looked back at the woman.

"Who.... who are you?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:15 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 12:12 AM)

"She already knows we're here," Deothur said. "I can't think why she picked Luxi... except that she hates to see children grow older. Can you swim?"

He headed after the fish.

The air here was solid enough to 'swim' through.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:17 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 01:15 AM)

Loranna's face melts into a grin. "Swimming has been my favorite excersice for months now, next to one other," she says, trying to swim after the fish.

"Luxi's a bright girl; hopefully she'll be all right when we catch up," she says, looking back to her companions. "Shall we?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:17 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:14 AM)

Luxi looked around. The smell from the cookin pot taunted her, begging her to taste it, but she resisted.
She looked back at the woman.

"Who.... who are you?"

"I'm your mother's mother," the old Khajiit woman said. "You don't know my face, but I've been looking after you all your life. Are you sure you won't eat?"

She bent closer to her lamp to rethread her needle. She was working by the light of a small clay tallow lamp with a wick, like poor people used. From the ceiling, tallow dripped, slowly, from a low place, and refilled the lamp.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 23 2005, 11:17 PM)

Anya looked at Loranna's face, and saw the worry. This caused her to feel even worse now, and she didn't understand why.

She looked at Lotus. Don't just sit there, after the fish.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:19 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:15 PM)

Herwyn looked at the Saint for a moment, blinked twice to clear the doubt from his eyes, and stepped off the bridge.

What surrounded him was thick, and he felt graceless. Frowning and realizing his stupidity, he closed his eyes and concentrated...

...no, concentrated much harder than that...

...and began to move through the viscous world as if he were born a fish.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 07:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:17 AM)

Luxi's mouth watered, but she refused. "I'm not hungry. Why did you bring me here?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 07:26 AM

It was different for Anya. The more she concentrated, the less it seemed possible.

The heaved a sigh of fustration. Maybe...

She relaxed, and stopped focusing, she let herself melt away, and let her mind become more reactive than focused. She pushed off, and swam gracefully. The giddiness returned, and her face visibly brightened. "This is beyond words. Better than levitating!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:28 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:22 AM)

Luxi's mouth watered, but she refused. "I'm not hungry. Why did you bring me here?"

The old woman did not answer her question directly.

"We'll have fun here together. You can help me with my needlework, I'll teach you to make fish, fish are so much fun to make. There's nothing here to worry about, not any slavers, or any bandits, or anything scary. You're too young, your mother should look after you better."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:31 AM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Aug 24 2005, 12:26 AM)

The fish, as it turned out, was part of a school of fish. They all looked identical, and in the dim light, as they turned and flashed, it was hard to be sure which fish had eaten Luxi.

A moment later, they realized that was the least of their problems. The fish were cattle, and there were people who herded them. Well - Dreugh.

A group of Dreugh fish-herders swam at the group with their spears drawn.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:32 AM

QUOTE(Teleran @ Aug 23 2005, 11:10 PM)

Looking at Marein muttering he added, “I think I’ll go see what’s happening at the front of the column now, see if they need an extra scout or something.” He hopped out and immediately regretted that he had left his thick coat in the wagon.

Tamriel:

Cyndarius rode through the snow, alone, for the moment, with his thoughts.

They'd lost time picking up the refugees, but at least Gram, and maybe a couple of others, had been with them. Cyndarius knew in his head that the injured didn't matter, the children didn't matter, nothing mattered here but the people that knew the world was different. For them, this was real. Death was real. Everyone else was just a dream.

Sometimes, though, dreams seem very real at the time.

The army wound its way through a wide valley, a deep, wide river below them wound its way toward Pale Pass, and the Imperial Province.

As Teleran reached the head of the column, Cyndarius was just calling for a halt. The word traveled back along the line, and like a monsterous caterpillar, the column stopped.

Below them, across a wide, tree-spotted field of rolling foothills, the mountains rose sharply one last time. In one place, they dropped away, forming Pale Pass. From that point, black smoke rose in thick columns.

Moments later, a parrapton landed with a roaring buzz.

"General," said a voice behind the black mask of the rider, "The valley is beseiged by Azurites. The fortress is holding, but probably not for long."

Cyndarius turned to Merey and the 95th Legion's captain. "Form battle lines."

Within moments, the column was alive with well-ordered chaos.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 07:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:28 AM)

"You did not answer my question though. Who are you?!"
As soon as she heard her speaking of her staying, she turned on her graud.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 07:33 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:31 PM)

Anya grimaced. She couldn't tell if they were angry or defensive. She got her spear out as well, but kept it low as to not show menacing.

Lotus, do you have Luxi? She heard a screach admist the herd. Stay with it, we'll try to find you.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:34 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:33 AM)

"You did not answer my question though. Who are you?!"
As soon as she heard her speaking of her staying, she turned on her graud.

"I told you, I'm your mother's mother. And you're a very sharp tongued little girl, aren't you?"

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:34 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 01:31 AM)

"Ut oh," Loranna says, raising her hands and casting protective spells on her companions as best as she could, given the fact that she's swimming in the air.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 07:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:34 AM)

"I told you, I'm your mother's mother. And you're a very sharp tongued little girl, aren't you?"

She tilted her head. "If you are my mother's mother, then why do you wish to trap me here? I know this is what you wish to do. And I know that my grandmother would not do such a thing... at leat Ahjaar told me my grandmother was a kind, loving soul. She would not want me imprisioned. You cannot trick me."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:38 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:37 AM)

"It's because I love you that I want you to be safe," the old woman said. "You may fuss, you may argue, but you'll be my little girl forever."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:40 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:31 PM)

A group of Dreugh fish-herders swam at the group with their spears drawn.

"Well," said Herwyn, "let's at least try to be polite, shall we?"

Herwyn wondered how one bowed while swimming.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 07:41 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:38 AM)

"It's because I love you that I want you to be safe," the old woman said. "You may fuss, you may argue, but you'll be my little girl forever."

"Then I shall be your little girl, but not here."
Luxi took a step back.
"I cannot stay here, I have a mission. I have to help the others..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:42 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:41 AM)

"Then I shall be your little girl, but not here."
Luxi took a step back.
"I cannot stay here, I have a mission. I have to help the others..."

"No, I don't think so," the old woman said, sewing.

That was when Luxi noticed that there was one thing that made this little house different from the house she had grown up in; there was no door. No window. Just the fireplace, and the chair, and the stool, and the lamp.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 07:43 AM

Slyvos stayed there, floating in the water as the dreugh approached.

'don't attack... unless they do of course, then feel free to eviserate the poor sods..'

Posted by: Shardie Today, 07:44 AM

Pale Pass

"The paraphats will not hold them much longer" the soldier said to the Commander, who was enjoying tea with Lyssia, "Shall we withdraw back into skyrim?"
"I dont think that would be a good idea" a messanger said, running into the room, "We are being relieved by a massive force from Morrowind!"
'Are we?" the Captian asked, "Then send thier commander in here once they arrive," he stated, before sipping his tea, and returning to conversation with Lyssia

Posted by: Asokei Today, 07:44 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:42 AM)

"Let me go! Just because you are no longer among the living doen't mean you can keep me here. Let me leave!"
Her eyes burned with rage.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:47 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:44 AM)

"Let me go! Just because you are no longer among the living doen't mean you can keep me here. Let me leave!"
Her eyes burned with rage.

"You're a little confused, dear. I am all things living," the old woman said. "You belong to me, you were my child to begin with; I don't have to let you do anything."

Posted by: Asokei Today, 07:49 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:47 AM)

"You're a little confused, dear. I am all things living," the old woman said. "You belong to me, you were my child to begin with; I don't have to let you do anything."

Luxi knew she was defeated. "What do you want from me?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 07:50 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 23 2005, 11:40 PM)

"Well," said Herwyn, "let's at least try to be polite, shall we?"

Herwyn wondered how one bowed while swimming.

Anya nodded and kept her spear low.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:53 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:49 AM)

Luxi knew she was defeated. "What do you want from me?"

"That's my good girl," the old woman said. "Sit down by the fire, and I'll show you how to make fish."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:54 AM

Without warning, Herwyn raised his hand and in a flash of orange flame, one of the approaching Dreugh exploded. The others scattered for a moment before charging forward.

Herwyn caught Loranna's eye.

"What?" he said. "Dreugh turn darker red before they attack. His intentions were obvious."

Posted by: Asokei Today, 07:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:53 AM)

"That's my good girl," the old woman said. "Sit down by the fire, and I'll show you how to make fish."

She didn't budge.
"I don't want to make a fish. I just want to know what you want from me."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 07:58 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 01:54 AM)

"I didn't say anything," Loranna says, frowning. She raises her hands and casts spells to fortify everyone's agility, swimming backward as she does.

They weren't doing too well at being friendly to all they meet lately; Loranna gets the unshakable feeling she's going to be yelled at.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:58 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Aug 24 2005, 12:43 AM)

Slyvos stayed there, floating in the water as the dreugh approached.

'don't attack... unless they do of course, then feel free to eviserate the poor sods..'

The dreugh, like the dreugh in the waters of Tamriel, did not hesitate. They attacked, sweeping down on the party with their spears.

"There are poor creatures," Deothur said, drawing back his staff."But not because of anything WE do. These are the unborn, those she has sucked back into herself. They are her hands, not separate people at all."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 07:58 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 12:54 AM)

She didn't budge.
"I don't want to make a fish. I just want to know what you want from me."

"I want to keep you safe forever," the old woman said.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 07:59 AM

Tamriel:

The combined cavalry of both Legions had already formed up at the head of the valley. Since the enemy had little warning of their arrival, the horsemen were to sweep down on them before they had time to react.

Behind, the mass of two Legions would descend, more slowly, but unstoppably.

"Now," said Cyndarius.

Flags were unfurled, trumpets blew, and three hundred horses broke into a canter, then a trot, then as they closed on the Azurite flank, a gallop.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 08:01 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:58 AM)

"I want to keep you safe forever," the old woman said.

Luxi shouted in rage.
"Shut UP!!"

She cast a fire ball at the woman...

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 08:01 AM

Slyvos just kept an uncaring look on his face and let loose a spell of frost upon them... they were in water after all.

'then they shall die.'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 08:03 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 01:59 AM)

Gram Pyrel smiles as the calvary charges, hefting Frostkiss into position for chopping into the enemy. Like all of the others who knew what was truly going on, he had been asked by Cyndarius to join the elite forces which would charge in after the calvary.

It promised to be a glorious fight; Gram hopes that the deeds done today would count when it came time for him to seek Svongarde. If they didn't, well ... he'd have some good stories to tell them when he got there.

Roaring his battle cry when the time was right, he charges with the elites, thinking Loranna if only you could see your old man now!

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 08:03 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 01:01 AM)

Luxi shouted in rage.
"Shut UP!!"

She cast a fire ball at the woman...

Casting a fireball in a small thatched cottage wasn't a safe thing to do. Not at all.

The tallow soaked thatch roof burst into flames; the old woman screamed in rage, looking suddenly not like a nice old woman at all. And Luxi was spilled back into the water by the fish, which had ruptured.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 08:06 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 01:03 AM)

Luxi floated down, knocked uncouncious by the sudden blast.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 08:06 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:03 AM)

Herwyn was just raising his hand again when something behind the dreugh caught his attention...

BLOOOP!

"What in the..." he said.

Spotting the slowly sinking form of Luxi, he concentrated again and swept forward, dodging through the school of fish. Grabbing her gently under the arms, he headed back for the others.

Posted by: Shardie Today, 08:09 AM

"Look over there" the blade scout said as the trumpets blew out, "A legion, no, two of them are flanking the enemy force! We should try and make our way for the pass whilst the enemy is in Confusion!"
"Very well" Landon said, "We shall make for the pass, and protect the Potentate with our lives! Paladans shall smite the evil mutations that erode this land of ours, we will send them all back to OBLIVION!!!" he yelled, as his fellow seven Paladins, mounted on thier steeds cheered back. THe Blade shook his head, and mounted his own horse. The small group of fifteen hoursemen and one Potentate begain thier charge into the rear of the Azurite Lines heading straight for the pass

Posted by: Loranna Today, 08:12 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 02:06 AM)

Loranna casts an absorb speed and strength spell on the dreugh nearest Herwyn, to slow any pursuit.

"How is she?" she asks, swimming over, holding out her hands. "Is she ..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 08:17 AM

Anya had busied herself with providing cover for Herwyn. She had equipped her bow and was shooting at the Dreugh. It proved suprisingly easy as they only seemed to gain immense speed when the attacked.

Much to her dismay, the anger she felt was overwheleming. Her face was etched in rage, and she was furious that they would attack her friends. Ration, it seemed, wouldn't temper her emotions now.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 08:18 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 01:12 AM)

Loranna casts an absorb speed and strength spell on the dreugh nearest Herwyn, to slow any pursuit.

"How is she?" she asks, swimming over, holding out her hands. "Is she ..."

"Back to the bridge," Deothur said. "Hurry. It's Herself that's after us now, we need to get moving."

He looked, for the first time since they had met him, frightened.

Chased by the angry Dreugh, the party swam back to the bridge, trying to reach the gate in time.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 08:21 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 01:18 AM)

There was a flash of light as Luxi's amulet, Shamakand, came to life. White whisps shot out, each hitting the deugh in the chest, killing them all.

Luxi did not stir

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 08:22 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:18 PM)

Goranthir found that using the Kynarine blast from his sword in this atmosphere was particularly helpful at keeping the dreugh at bay. He swam after Doethur quickly, only pausing from time to time to level another blast.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 08:27 AM

At the brigde, Luxi stirred, then woke up. She was very weak.

She sat up.
"The woman.. she was my-"

Posted by: Tri Today, 08:28 AM

In the charge against the Azurites, Marein and a small group of guards gathered protectively around the healing wagon, defending Diamond, Shai, and others.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 08:28 AM

Tamriel

Axes, maces, swords, and spears, all crashed into Trueturner and were deflected. Those that managed to slip by found steel chain in the way, and even when that managed to be pierced, the flesh underneath knit back together in seconds.

Gram lost count of the number of times he had taken a hit; far elss than these Azurite bastards would have hoped, to be sure. He occasionally wiped blood from his eyes when a lucky shot caught his forehead, but by and large few could get by Trueturner, and Forstkiss lashed out with quick, brutal fury, the chill of its blade claiming those that did not die immediately.

"HA! I've fought the great battlecats of your kind; what hope do any of YOU have!" Gram laughs in the middle of the fight. "Come, make my tale of victory that much more gripping! Come and fight, blue-eyed pawns!"

For a waking nightmare, Gram was having the time of his life; for the first time since he awoke to this blasted world he didn't feel a need for a drink.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 08:29 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 02:27 AM)

At the brigde, Luxi stirred, then woke up. She was very weak.

She sat up.
"The woman.. she was my-"

Loranna casts healing spells on Luxi. "It's all right dear; you're free of it now," she says. "Just let the magic do its job ..."

She still wore a slightly shocked expression at seeing Deothur look frightened.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 08:30 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 01:27 AM)

At the brigde, Luxi stirred, then woke up. She was very weak.

She sat up.
"The woman.. she was my-"

"She was the Queen Herself," Deothur said, bending over her. "Mara. Are you all right?"

Posted by: Asokei Today, 08:31 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 01:29 AM)

She tryed to get up, but she couldn't.
"I can't get up." She seemed out of breath.
"The woman... she must have weakend me or something..."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 08:34 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 01:31 AM)

She tryed to get up, but she couldn't.
"I can't get up." She seemed out of breath.
"The woman... she must have weakend me or something..."

"You can't go on like that," Deothur said. "She struck your true self, not just your body; it will take a long time to heal, and magic won't help. I think you're going to have to turn back. I can take you as far as Dibella's realm."

"I can take her," Tris said. "But that will leave us with only seven again... and she's come so far..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 08:37 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:34 AM)

Anya felt saddness rise in her. Her eyes brimmed with tears. She gave Luxi a quick hug. And waved her goodbye.

It was also made worse when she felt the other members saddness and regret. Oh great, not only am I emontional, I can feel others too.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 08:38 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:34 PM)

"I can take her," Tris said. "But that will leave us with only seven again... and she's come so far..."

Goran kissed Luxi on the forehead. He had eyes like a human now.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 08:38 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 01:34 AM)

"I.. can't go back. I've made it so far.." She tryed to get up, but again couldn't. She sighed. "I can't burden you, so I guess I have no other choice."

Posted by: Loranna Today, 08:38 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 02:34 AM)

Loranna feels tears forming in her eyes. She leans forward and kisses Luxi on the forehead.

"Dear," she says, "I'm so sorry ..." Her tears glistened as they touched Luxi's cheeks; Loranna puts her hand on Luxi's, hoping to convey what she can't quite speak.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 08:39 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:34 AM)

Herwyn gently gave the poor girl's spirit body into Tris's arms.

"Luxi, not because I'm sorry to lose one of the Eight, but because I'm sorry to lose you..."

He sighed.

"It was very brave of you, taking on a Goddess.

"Tris will make sure you return safely, and we'll follow soon after, we promise."

Posted by: Aki Today, 08:41 AM

Reichi frowned. "Farewell," he said.

Posted by: Asokei Today, 08:43 AM

QUOTE(Aki @ Aug 24 2005, 01:41 AM)

Reichi frowned. "Farewell," he said.

"I shall see you again soo. Either the Azurites will still rule or be dead when we meet again is entirly up to you."

She looked at Tris. "I have a recall spell for the arena. I can go by meself, I think."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 08:44 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 24 2005, 01:43 AM)

"Can't recall from here, princess," Tris said, smiling because otherwise he was going to cry like a fool. "Hang on, I give good rides."

Holding her in his arms, he started the run back through the gates - to Ald Raathim.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 08:46 AM

QUOTE(Asokei @ Aug 23 2005, 11:43 PM)

She looked at Tris. "I have a recall spell for the arena. I can go by meself, I think."

‘Ald Raithim is in the hands of the Azurites,’ Goranthir cried after them. ‘You cannot face an army alone, tough as you are. You should go where your mother is.’

Posted by: Loranna Today, 08:47 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 02:44 AM)

Loranna watches as Tris takes Luxi away, thinking to herself that the young girl has even more in common with her now - she challenged a goddess, and came through alive, though not unchanged, if Loranna's experience was any indication.

" ... We should probably not tarry here overmuch," she says when Tris is gone.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 08:48 AM

Tamriel:

It was like watching a tiny fishing village get swallowed by the ocean.

Cyndarius didn't hold back. He was in a hurry, and he wasn't going to lose any men here.

The Legions swept through the valley, and the blue-black banners of Azura fell one-by-one to the crimson dragon of the Empire.

"At this rate," shouted Sergeant Gruznob to Cyndarius over the din of front-line battle, "we'll be done by lunchtime!"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 08:49 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 01:46 AM)

‘Ald Raithim is in the hands of the Azurites,’ Goranthir said. ‘You cannot face an army alone, tough as you are. You should go where your mother is.’

Goronthir's wise words went unheard.

But it was doubtful whether any place on Tamriel was safer than Ald Raathim, right now. Tris would see Luxi to safety, as best he could.

The pulsing of the world had quickened. The Eight felt themselves almost sick with energy, as if they would explode. And now something different happened; the air they had been swimming through thickened, and darkened. They were being crushed.

Above them, in the last of the light, they could see row upon row of massive teeth.

"RUN!" Deothur screamed, racing for the bladed gate.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 08:51 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 12:49 AM)

Above them, in the last of the light, they could see row upon row of massive teeth.

"RUN!" Deothur screamed, racing for the bladed gate.

Herwyn did NOT have to be told twice.

A flashing sword, waiting to split you in pieces, never looked so welcoming.

Posted by: Shardie Today, 08:53 AM

Slice, Slice, Slice some more, the Azurites did not know what was happening. Each of the Paladins and the Blades were armed with long glaves which they would use to slice open the Azurite fiends who were in confusion. They were nearing the front lines, the Imperial Force was anihalating the Azurite force on the flank. A paniced trumpet sounded the call for a general retreat towards Cyrodiil; yet the Paladins and the blades continued to slice thier way through the enemy lines. The besieged army at the Pass itself Charged out of the gates, slicing and dicing all Azurites that were in thier way. Landon's Party met up with the defenders, and celebrated. The attack was broken. They watched the legions sweep away the Azurites, a moment of glory in what had been a terrible war so far

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 08:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 23 2005, 11:49 PM)

"RUN!" Deothur screamed, racing for the bladed gate.

Goranthir instinctively fired his Kynarine blast at it, but it didn’t slow down. He was after Deothur, as fast as he could swim.

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 08:56 AM

Anya ran, fleet of foot, and still agile. Something large cause her to trip, part of it tangled in her shirt. Thinking quickly, she grabbed it, instead of wasting time trying to get it loose.

She sprinted right through the gate. The effects weren't felt in her adrenline rush.

She stopped on the other side, that's when she doubled over in pain. She felt weakened, tired, loosing her endurance. Yet... she could still stand. She could fight. And she wouldn't collapse from fatigue. She could endure as long as her spirit allowed.

Anya stood up. A large fish scale, the size of a sheild had caught in part of her shirt, where it showed through her matte-black glass curraiss. She pulled it out. Anya stared at it quizzically, then looked to Deothur for answers.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 08:58 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 02:49 AM)

Loranna's eyes gleam with determination; she'd endured many dreams of being crushed already and had no intention of experiencing it for real. Still, she couldn't help but feel like she was trapped in her nightmares again, just with giant, scary teeth instead of a giantess ...

At this rate I'm going to have a phobia about all goddesses, Loranna thinks to herself with hysterical black humor. I'm not going to die here, I'm not ....

The gate was ahead; she could see it, through the teeth. The pressure was building up on her ...

I'm not going to die here; I resisted Azura, I can do this ...

She was running, but she felt sluggish, just like in her nightmares. She pushes forward, grimly intent ...

It seems to take forever, but she finally reaches the gate ...

The sword sweeps down, and next to go is ...

Strange ... looking back, in that one instant before the sword falls, Loranna realizes how much her strength of will has shaped her. Both her moments of weakness, giving in to Azura, letting herself be a victim and a monster ... and her strengths, the one moment in Morning Star, when she stood up before a crowd of thousands and said "No; I'm not going to do this anymore. It's wrong and I won't let it continue."

The moment when she became a hero for real - the one moment that most defined who she was today.

All of that was now gone, left behind. And yet, with a curious sensation, she realizes what had lain below her willpower all along, which now could rise to the surface ...

She rubs a hand against her healthy, pink brow, though she wasn't actually sweating; she'd given up her physical attributes already, before now.

Posted by: Aki Today, 09:01 AM

Reichi raced to the gate, and was struck by the blade. He felt the agility he had used to avoid being damage by dangers all his life, leave him. Well enough, he hadn't felt particularly agile in Mara's sphere anyways.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:02 AM

The crushing pressure was so great that the blades slicing through him felt like an implosion, greater agony than ever. Goranthir screamed in pain as he felt his strength leave his body.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:06 AM

Herwyn rushed for the gate along with everyone else, but he slowed for a moment and looked at the now-familiar dark cloaked figure, standing beside the gate, just as calm as anything.

Herwyn thought their eyes met, just for a moment, then the sword was upon him.

His luck, which he had abandoned trust in long ago, had never, in fact, abandoned him.

Until now.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 09:06 AM

Slyvos was swimming backwards, blasting away at the teeth just out of the logic that, if you can hit it, surely you can eventually destroy it? Unfortunately, that was not the case here... he turned, and swam faster, til he arched his back in pain, the blades of the gate coming down.

That was a bad move of his back there, and now his own intelligence, the knowledge, the rituals, the magic, all that made him actually worth his while in battle, no longer felt a part of him... it was all still there, but it was disconnected from him in ways he couldn't comprehend... fully.

'I feel so... useless... empty...'

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 09:15 AM

"That could be useful," Deothur said, looking at Anya's fish scale. "Those fish are invulnerable from the outside; only from the inside can they be harmed. So that scale would make someone a good shield."

They stood on a hill, overlooking a city. It wasn't an unusual city, except that it was unusually large, and flourishing, and clean. It looked like a market was being held, and their path led right through the bazaar.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:16 AM

Goranthir, emerging from the Gate, still had his finely-wrought gray cloak, which he touched to give it a quick cleaning, but he did not look like himself one bit.

He looked like Tris.

‘Let’s go,’ he said in Tris’s voice.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:21 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 03:15 AM)

"An archer could use a buckler," Loranna mutters. "Or maybe Isidor could use it - the flower he has could be good for an archer who needs to see the enemy ..."

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Aug 24 2005, 03:06 AM)

Loranna turns and takes Slyvos's hand. "It's just the false part of you falling away, love," she says. "The real you is coming out; give it time ..."

Slyvos can see that she looks like she did before the curse; her tearstreaks still catch the light in this place.

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 03:16 AM)

"Tris?" Loranna says, blinking. "Wait .. Goran?"

Goranthir's true self was ... Tris? Loranna wonders what to make of this. How did Allie put it; would we even recognize ourselves?

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:26 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 01:16 AM)

Herwyn turned from the glittering city in front of him.

"Wait one moment," he said.

"Gorathir... this isn't right. The further we go, the more we should cast off our limitations, even our very ideas about who we are.

"Look at yourself."

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 12:21 AM)

"Tris?" Loranna says, blinking. "Wait .. Goran?"

Goranthir's true self was ... Tris? Loranna wonders what to make of this. How did Allie put it; would we even recognize ourselves?

‘Is that who I look like?’ Goranthir laughed, again with Tris’s laugh. ‘I thought I felt a little ... Breton.’

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 09:29 AM

Slyvos slumped a bit, a tear going down his face.

'everything I know... what makes me worth having around as a hero in a fight... gone. I can't even enchant as good anymore...'

He blinked a few times, and his other half showed through.

'{and yet here I am... what I know is what he lost, and I'm not willing to use it for what he does... and yet here I am, not even able to use the simplest of other skills. It's pathetic!}'

He closed his eyes, returning to normal and just leaving the lids shut.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:31 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 12:26 AM)

‘Shouldn’t you be looking more like Elysana?’ Goranthir wondered aloud.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:32 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 01:31 AM)

‘Shouldn’t you be looking more like Elysana?’ Goranthir wondered aloud.

"Elys..."

Herwyn looked very serious. Then, without warning, he hit Goranthir in the nose.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:33 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Aug 24 2005, 03:29 AM)

Loranna's lips set in a thin line for a moment, and then she pulls Slyvos to herself, planting a warm, inviting, passionate kiss on his lips.

A couple of moments later, she lets Slyvos go. "Tell me again, what makes you worth having around as a hero?" she asks. "Was it your magic that won my heart? Was it your undecaying bones, your lipless grin? Was it this flesh of my husband or the fancy ring you made for me that made me say I love you?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Today, 09:35 AM

Anya stared, mouth wide open, at Herwyn. Elysana?

She felt the impetuous emotion roll off of Herwyn.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 09:39 AM

Slyvos gave a smile...

'I think it's the love and the ring part....'

He returned the kiss, and pulled back, smiling contently. his eyes then choose that moment to change.

'{even I must admit... }'

That side just shut up before it made a fool of itself, not yet the time to corrupt anybody... of course, what better time then when she has no will? not before planting it's own kiss on her face though, not a gentle one in the least, but well, it was lustful alright; sly was able to wrestle control back.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:40 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 12:32 AM)

"Elys..."

Herwyn looked very serious. Then, without warning, he hit Goranthir in the nose.

Goranthir lay on the path and laughed. ‘That goddam hurt.’

He got up with a wink, ‘Sorry. She’s my aunt. Thought you could tak a joke, from all I’ve heard. I tell you what, I’ll buy you something in the bazaar.’

Posted by: Loranna Today, 09:46 AM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Aug 24 2005, 03:39 AM)

Loranna returns the kiss, even when it turns rough. She looks hard at Slyvos for a bit, aware of what's going on with Herwyn and Goranthir but choosing to focus on her fiance for the moment.

"Slyvos, I think it's time you admitted that you and your darkness are the same," she says. "There's no more of the outraged hate that simply sought to destroy me in you anymore, just desire. You are you, and all that entails, bad, and good. Just like myself, and anyone else."

She shakes her head. "You're torturing yourself by denying you still have dark thoughts love. You lived with that rage for thousands of years; even I can't make it go away ... but it's going to go away soon, when we finally shed the last of ourselves."

Unless, Loranna thinks to herself, Slyvos's essential nature was that of a man divided against himself. She represses that thought with vehemence.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:46 AM

Tamriel:

Cyndarius strode through the broken streets of the hill fort, Gruznob, Gram, Teleran, and others by his side.

They had been greeted with cheers by the defenders, and were being taken to see the commander of the fort.

Cyndarius presumed he had been injured, and could therefore not come out to meet them.

The soldier guided them to the door of the fort's sturdily-built inn, entered and announced them.

"Sir, General Cyndarius is here, Sir."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 09:50 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 01:40 AM)

Herwyn frowned.

"Stop it. This isn't who you are, Prince Goranthir, this is who you wish you were. That's not going to work. It's far past time to leave that behind. Time to leave behind even what you think you are.

"What are you hiding? What are you afraid of? I think it's about time you faced whatever it is, and learned who you really are."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Today, 09:52 AM

Tamriel, moments before the victory...

A few meters away from Cyndarius' troops, two robed figures, cloaked in invisibility, stand watching the battle unfold.

“They seem to be handling themselves pretty well.” The taller of the two figures remarks, showing a glimpse of perfectly rested, greenish-blue eyes.

“We’ll stay a little while longer. They might still need our help.”

“Are you serious?” The tall figure derisively scoffs, pointing to the battlefield. “They’re slaughtering the poor fools. They need our help like a Nord needs another reason to take a bath... and incase you where wondering... they don’t.”

“You’re the one who didn’t want to help in the beginning. I can’t believe you talked me out of it.” The smaller figure angrily responds.

“Its because I knew this would happen.” Green-eyes, snaps back.

The smaller figure crosses its arms, and shoots an unseen look of contempt at its companion.

“What? Don’t look at me like that... Alright, if it’ll make you happy...” Green-eyes says picking up a lose rock.

After scanning the battlefield for a Bosmeri second, the tall Green-eyed figure, hurls the rock with uncanny accuracy, nailing an Azurite in the forehead, knocking it out cold.

“There.” Green-eyes says holding out his arms approvingly. “I helped.”

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 09:57 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 12:50 AM)

‘I tried to be nice, I even apologized,’ Goranthir growled, a flicker of a golden sheen in his eyes, or Tris’s eyes. ‘I even tried to bribe you. Do not address me further in that tone, you have not earned the right.’

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 10:01 AM

Slyvos sighed, then felt something in his pocket again... it was that former phylactery of his again.

'and so it chooses NOW to come back to haunt me.'

He holds it up by the chain, wondering just why it keeps tormenting him... his other side spoke to him in his mind.

{mine... heh, so much to work with in this realm... no I think I've always been with you, just that little voice lurking in your... our, mind. Just gotta make sure I'm right...} 'it'll all be over soon anyway...'

He got it under control again, slipping the amulet back in his pocket.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 01:57 AM)

"Bribe me?" Herwyn said, and the words were like stone.

"You would bribe ME with what? I want for nothing!"

Herwyn seemed to grow larger, yet more indistinct, the colors that formed his body blending together, then spiralling apart.

"Two steps, You Who Call Yourself Goranthir... I am two steps from perfection. Two steps from being nothing and everything. Two gates, two swords, two steps, and the world is behind me.

"It should be the same for you. Why do you not learn? Why do you cling to something less? Do you think that will save the world we know? Do you think that by being a pale copy of Tris Gaerington, a mortal with flaws, you will be better than what you could be without limits?

"I have not earned any rights, nor do I need to. Tell me, by who's law are these rights given? Tell me, who are YOU to speak to ME thus? Are you Tris Gaerington?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 10:10 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 02:57 AM)

Deothur listened to Goranthir's words, and Herwyn's, with the same expression on his face.

"You know, Goranthir," Deothur said, very gently, "I find you even more beautiful without all this makeup."

Posted by: Aki Today, 10:10 AM

"Right..." Reichi muttered, feeling rather out of place. Then sighs. "I am so lost..." he continued to himself. He quietly observed the scene. He ran a hand through his hair in mild frustration. World's going to fall down around our ears at this rate...

Posted by: Loranna Today, 10:13 AM

Herwyn's declaration brings Loranna's attention away from Slyvos for a moment. Though, she does say "Love ... watch this. We'll talk more in a minute ..."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Today, 10:14 AM

Slyvos just turns his attention to what was said, seeing... a real sense of trueness right there. And then... someone like himself, clinging to the remains...

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 10:17 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 01:09 AM)

"I have not earned any rights, nor do I need to. Tell me, by who's law are these rights given? Tell me, who are YOU to speak to ME thus? Are you Tris Gaerington?"

Goranthir turned to Deothur, and said, "Thank you," and smiled with Tris's smile at Herwyn.

"You a grumpy one. Good thing I didn't mention Doll. Shall we move on?"

He began down the path towards the carnaval. "I'll buy you a rose," he laughed.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 10:21 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 04:17 AM)

Loranna's face contorts into a scowl. It fades quickly but it lasts long enough to be plainly visible.

"Are either of you two listening to yourselves, or each other, or Deothur here?" she asks.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 10:24 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 03:21 AM)

Loranna's face contorts into a scowl. It fades quickly but it lasts long enough to be plainly visible.

"Are either of you two listening to yourselves, or each other, or Deothur here?" she asks.

Deothur was no longer paying attention. He had set his face towards the city.

"Funny how gold looks just like clay when the light hits it at a low angle," he said. "Come on."

As they descended into the valley where Zenithar's city lay, they saw what he meant. Every building was roofed with purest gold; the streets were paved with precious gems.

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

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 01:21 AM)

Loranna's face contorts into a scowl. It fades quickly but it lasts long enough to be plainly visible.

"Are either of you two listening to yourselves, or each other, or Deothur here?" she asks.

‘Come on, yell at me here if you must, but let’s keep moving,’ cried Goranthir from further down the road. He looked at the gold of the city with wonderment.

Posted by: Aki Today, 10:28 AM

"Hey, listen to prettyboy, he's a saint, a dibellan one too, he knows about appearances," Reichi said. "..And Stuff." he shrugged.

QUOTE

"Woah..." Reichi muttered. "Nice place. No better way to flaunt wealth than gold roofs and gem-streets."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 10:28 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 02:25 AM)

‘Come on, yell at me here if you must, but let’s keep moving,’ cried Goranthir from further down the road. He looked at the gold of the city with wonderment.

"So be it," the swirling form that once resembled Herwyn said, in a voice that would've broken mountains on Tamriel. "You are a fool, and hidebound, but so was I, once.

"Onward."

The form became slightly more man-like, and traveled down the bridge, toward the gleaming city.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 10:33 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 01:28 AM)

"So be it," the swirling form that once resembled Herwyn said, in a voice that would've broken mountains on Tamriel. [color=gray]"You are a fool, and hidebound, but so was I, once.

[I]A fool is apparently anyone who doesn’t consider a career with the despot of the west, murmured Goranthir under his breath, as he continued down the path. And anyhow, how dare he yell at me, miserable peasant.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 10:33 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 04:25 AM)

‘Come on, yell at me here if you must, but let’s keep moving,’ cried Goranthir from further down the road. He looked at the gold of the city with wonderment.

"Yell at you ... I'd be yelling at all of us, and probably taking half of eternity to do it," Loranna says to Goranthir as she follows.

She reaches back to take Slyvos's hand. " ... Love, Slyvos ... I love you without the makeup too. I know you did terrible things; I did terrible things myself. That's what brought us both together to begin with, remember? Two people who were doing terrible things and didn't want to any more but who didn't know how to stop."

"Well ..." She pauses and looks at the city with quiet awe. "We know now how to stop. Even if it's hard, we know how, now. So why do you hang on to what you already comitted yourself to giving up? And why be afraid of yourself ..."

She sighs. "Why be afraid of myself too ..."

Posted by: Shardie Today, 10:33 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 06:46 PM)

A sip of tea, and the Captian looked to the door. Beside him was the Potentate Lord Landon, who was snuggling up to Lyssia, and two Blades, all enjoying tea.
"Please come down and enjoy some victory tea, sir!" the Captian said, motining to an empty seat, as Cyndarius could hear lyssia say "It was so strange! I was in Daggerfall, then Poof! I was here, and the entire conternent was in war! We were planning for our wedding too"
"I have no idea... you must have hit your head, Lyssia, we have not seen each other for almost a year" Landon replied

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 10:39 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 01:33 AM)

"Yell at you ... I'd be yelling at all of us, and probably taking half of eternity to do it," Loranna says to Goranthir as she follows.

‘Yes, if you were my barmaid, I’d demand faster service,’ Goranthir laughed Trisily.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 10:41 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 03:33 AM)

"I've never understood why this is so hard," Deothur said. "Probably why I was called the Simple. Now, keep your hands in your pockets; these people don't like thieves."

The stalls of sellers lined the streets, close enough to reach out and touch. Everything imaginable was for sale - and perhaps a few things the Eight hadn't imagined.

An elderly, bent old woman called out to Loranna. She had a sign up, advertising, Distinguishing characteristics. Rare and unusual!

"I'll give you a good price for that, missy, since you're not using it," the old woman said, clutching Loranna's sleeve.

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 10:46 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 01:41 AM)

"I've never understood why this is so hard," Deothur said. "Probably why I was called the Simple. Now, keep your hands in your pockets; these people don't like thieves."

'Can we keep anything we buy?' asked Goranthir, reaching into his purse.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 10:46 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 04:39 AM)

‘Yes, if you were my barmaid, I’d demand faster service,’ Goranthir laughed Trisily.

"At the rate you're going dear you'd not want the faster service," Loranna says tiredly. "Your beer would be in your lap."

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 04:41 AM)

Heeding Deothur's advice, Loranna slips her hands in her pockets, not wanting to make people think she was a thief.

When the old woman calls out to her, Loranna blinks, roused from her thoughts. "Hello ... what?" she asks, her eyes falling on the sign. "Wait ... you don't mean my tearstreaks, do you?" she asks.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 10:46 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Aug 24 2005, 02:33 AM)

Cyndarius smiled politely, but Merey muttered something inaudable behind his hand.

"Thank you, Commander," said Cyndarius. "I'm glad we happened along. Although, I'm sure you would've been fine without us."

He bowed to the Potentate, and took a seat.

"We happen to have a number of very fine healers in service. Maybe the young lady should be looked at, just in case," Cyndarius said, with enough General in his voice that it didn't seem open for debate.

"Lieutenant Merey, would you be so kind as to show the Lady to the healers?"

Merey stood and bowed politely, offering the woman his arm.

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 10:49 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 03:46 AM)

'Can we keep anything we buy?' asked Goranthir, reaching into his purse.

"You might have a time getting some of the goods here home with you," Deothur said, laughing. "It doesn't all travel well."

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 03:46 AM)

"At the rate you're going dear you'd not want the faster service," Loranna says tiredly. "Your beer would be in your lap."
Heeding Deothur's advice, Loranna slips her hands in her pockets, not wanting to make people think she was a thief.

When the old woman calls out to her, Loranna blinks, roused from her thoughts. "Hello ... what?" she asks, her eyes falling on the sign. "Wait ... you don't mean my tearstreaks, do you?" she asks.

"The very same, missy!" the old woman said. "And your lovely coloration, well, not everyone has that, do they? Good price, or a trade, if you're interested." She spread her hands, indicating the vials on the table.

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 10:53 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 02:49 AM)

The grey cloud that once resembled Herwyn Brand swirled and turned. A man-like face, fierce in countenance, formed inches away from the old woman.

"Loathesome wretch!" it said. "A pitiful, poor old woman, eh? Your are as I am! The form you take is yours for the choosing, yet you appear as this! Your attempt to garner pity and thus a bargain sickens me, as does your covetousness. Keep your deals and your wares, hag, and leave us be."

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 10:54 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 01:49 AM)

"You might have a time getting some of the goods here home with you," Deothur said, laughing. "It doesn't all travel well."

‘Pity,’ said Goranthir, putting his hands in his pockets like the rest, and looking at Herwyn. ‘I was going to buy you something to take back to Wayrest. I will have to come and visit instead.’ He looked to Loranna and the old woman, ‘We should keep moving.’

Posted by: Shardie Today, 10:54 AM

Maranda glared at the man, and stood, not taking his hand, "My hand belongs to my lord and my lord alone" she said before following him out. A soldier placed a cup of steeming hot brew infront of Cyndarius, as the Captian continued to sip, "As the pass is defended, we were planning on originally heading south to the Imperial City, but because the Azurites blocked us here, it cost us alot of skilled men holding the pass. But I am happy to hand the remains of my legion to you, your exelency" the Captian said to the Potentate
"I am afraid I am no commander, I must get to the safety of winterhold, and your troops are needed in Cyrodiil more than Skyrim. Perhaps you could attach your unit to Lord Cyndarius' force?" the Potentate replied, looking deeply into the General's eyes

Posted by: Loranna Today, 10:57 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 04:53 AM)

"Herwyn, enough," Loranna says. "Remember we were bidden to show kindness to all we meet; just because we're shedding our mortal selves does not give us the right to start acting like Incarnate Mothers on an ego trip."

She stares at Herwyn, frowning. She was beginning to wonder if her companions would survive the next two gates in any shape to actually deal with the task at hand. "She wants to offer me a deal, I'll listen to her offer and make up my own mind whether to meet her price."

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Today, 10:57 AM

DragonBreak...

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 11:02 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Aug 24 2005, 02:54 AM)

Tamriel:

"We are, Your Excellency, headed for the capitol with the intention of liberating it. Any help would be appreciated." Cyndarius sipped the tea. Compared to his mother's farm-tested brew, it tasted like water.

Outside, Merey turned to the indignant lady.

"Look, Ma'am, we know you haven't been hit in the [censored] head," he said, forgetting his manners. "The General was just trying to get you away from those [censored] [censored] in there, so we could talk.

"See, we know the world's gone to [censored] in a [censored], too, Ma'am. It's just that not every [censored] notices, you see.

"Aah, [censored]... The General can explain it a whole [censored] lot better than I can. If I know him, he'll come out of that [censored] with his [censored] a waggin' before too long. He likes that sort of crowd about as much as I [censored] do.

"Let me show you to a tent, though, Ma'am. No sense standing in this [censored] snow, in the meantime."

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 11:02 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 01:57 AM)

She stares at Herwyn, frowning. She was beginning to wonder if her companions would survive the next two gates in any shape to actually deal with the task at hand. "She wants to offer me a deal, I'll listen to her offer and make up my own mind whether to meet her price."

‘Nothing here travels well, Deothur says,’ Goranthir said quickly. ‘I hate to agree with the Humorless One, but buyer beware.’

Posted by: Shardie Today, 11:03 AM

"umm" said Lyssia, somewhat confused, "It seems your conversation was autocensored, could you say it a bit clearer?"

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 11:07 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 03:57 AM)

"See anything you're interested in?" the old woman asked, spreading her hands. "Scars, mannerisms, coloring... those are cheap though. Wings, I have a halo and a radiant wind, those are perhaps a little pricey for you. How about this face?"

She offered Loranna a crystal vial. When Loranna looked at it, she saw her face reflected; the face of a wide-eyed, innocent, and stunningly beautiful young woman.

"And then there's the usual currency," the woman said. "Work. Never have to lift a finger for the rest of your life, assuming you live about as long as an ordinary Nord."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 11:11 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Aug 24 2005, 03:03 AM)

"umm" said Lyssia, somewhat confused, "It seems your conversation was autocensored, could you say it a bit clearer?"

Cyndarius quietly slurped his tea, looking for an excuse to leave the room suddenly.

Outside, Merey sighed. "[censored]," he said. "Forgive my manners, Ma'am. I'll just show you to the co... to the tent, and the General can explain.

"Real... sorry."

Posted by: Shardie Today, 11:17 AM

Lyssia smiled and entered the tent

Meanwhile back in the Inn Landon and the Commander were talking about old stories, apparently they were from the same town. The Potentate looked once more at Cyndarius, "Ah, acheing to go, are you?" he said quietly, "You may go on my behalf, marshal your troops, or do whatever. I am finding this quite boring myself," he sipped the tea, "and this tea is too weak." he winked at Cyndarius, and turned to the Captian, "I really must get going, so if you would exuse me, Lord Cyndarius, would you escort me outside?"

Posted by: Arrogant_Hero Today, 11:17 AM

...

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 11:18 AM

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 02:07 AM)

"And then there's the usual currency," the woman said. "Work. Never have to lift a finger for the rest of your life, assuming you live about as long as an ordinary Nord."

'She's a noble,' Goranthir said. 'Worst work there is. Come on, let's go.'

Posted by: Loranna Today, 11:34 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Aug 24 2005, 05:02 AM)

‘Nothing here travels well, Deothur says,’ Goranthir said quickly. ‘I hate to agree with the Humorless One, but buyer beware.’

QUOTE(Allerleirauh @ Aug 24 2005, 05:07 AM)

Loranna stares at her reflected face for a moment and asks herself ... Is that who I want to be? ... Yes, but ...

Loranna turns her head slightly, closing her eyes and comparing the look she just saw with her own image of her usual look. Both were beautiful, both had elements of what she wanted in herself She did want to embrace the innocence and joy of a young girl; Harman's first words to her rang in her ears We must be exactly like a child ... Deothur's simplicity was something she hoped to aspire to; free of artiface and confusion ...

But ... the ashen-skinned girl, with the tearstreaked eyes, the Weeping Reddemer, who suffered and turned that suffering into art, into something beautiful that others could use and appreciate ... that was who she wanted to be, who she thought she was meant to be. Maybe she wasn't; maybe when she passed the last gate she'd find out she was truly someone else, and that she was the Weeping Redeemer by virtue of circumstance only.

Work, never have to lift a finger for the rest of her life ... be free to pursue pleasure and happiness and go on adventures all the time ...

"Who I am," Loranna says to herself, "who I really am ... will trading in my looks change that? What, ultimately, do my looks matter, even to a woman who wishes to follow in Beauty's slender footsteps ... this look of mine is one I forged; perhaps it's all artiface but some aspect of the real me must be in it, somewhere."

She chuckles a little, and smiles a sad but lovely smile, and opens her eyes to look at the old woman. "Gentle lady, I'm flattered that you'd find my looks so worthwhile," she says, "but I must decline your geenrous offer. And, I must apologize for my friend's earlier vehemence; he's a good man under it all, he's just having a little trouble remembering his manners."

Posted by: Allerleirauh Today, 11:38 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 04:34 AM)

"He's probably upset at the thought of you trying to be Tris - or, worse, actually being Tris," Loranna says, her lips curling into a quick grin. "Goran I love Tris to death but if there were two of him in the world I think I'd keel over dead on the spot. I know he means a lot to you but ... well, as your friend and Tris's friend, I have to say this new look of yours worries me."
Loranna stares at her reflected face for a moment and asks herself ... Is that who I want to be? ... Yes, but ...

Loranna turns her head slightly, closing her eyes and comparing the look she just saw with her own image of her usual look. Both were beautiful, both had elements of what she wanted in herself She did want to embrace the innocence and joy of a young girl; Harman's first words to her rang in her ears We must be exactly like a child ... Deothur's simplicity was something she hoped to aspire to; free of artiface and confusion ...

But ... the ashen-skinned girl, with the tearstreaked eyes, the Weeping Reddemer, who suffered and turned that suffering into art, into something beautiful that others could use and appreciate ... that was who she wanted to be, who she thought she was meant to be. Maybe she wasn't; maybe when she passed the last gate she'd find out she was truly someone else, and that she was the Weeping Redeemer by virtue of circumstance only.

Work, never have to lift a finger for the rest of her life ... be free to pursue pleasure and happiness and go on adventures all the time ...

"Who I am," Loranna says to herself, "who I really am ... will trading in my looks change that? What, ultimately, do my looks matter, even to a woman who wishes to follow in Beauty's slender footsteps ... this look of mine is one I forged; perhaps it's all artiface but some aspect of the real me must be in it, somewhere."

She chuckles a little, and smiles a sad but lovely smile, and opens her eyes to look at the old woman. "Gentle lady, I'm flattered that you'd find my looks so worthwhile," she says, "but I must decline your geenrous offer. And, I must apologize for my friend's earlier vehemence; he's a good man under it all, he's just having a little trouble remembering his manners."

"Suit yourself," the old lady said. "Although it's not every day you see tearstreaks like those."

"There are some things of value to be had here," Deothur said. "Although Zenithar's people drive a hard bargain. And what they throw away, you wouldn't believe."

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 11:40 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Aug 24 2005, 03:34 AM)

She chuckles a little, and smiles a sad but lovely smile, and opens her eyes to look at the old woman. "Gentle lady, I'm flattered that you'd find my looks so worthwhile," she says, "but I must decline your geenrous offer. And, I must apologize for my friend's earlier vehemence; he's a good man under it all, he's just having a little trouble remembering his manners."

Something not quite like a laugh issued from the cloud that had been Herwyn. "Manners; Naught but more limits..."

Posted by: S'reddit Today, 11:42 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 02:40 AM)

Something not quite like a laugh issued from the cloud that had been Herwyn. "Manners; Naught but more limits..."

'Like working for a despot,' Goranthir agreed with a Trisian wink. 'Figuratively speaking, of course, my friend.'

Posted by: Rhedd Today, 11:44 AM

QUOTE(Shardie @ Aug 24 2005, 03:17 AM)

"If you insist, Your Excellency," Cyndarius said with a smile. He privately thought that he was happy that sort of man was Potentate.

"If you will excuse me, Sirs, I do have a number of things I should check on." He bowed, and happily left the stuffy room.

Outside, Cyndarius made his polite goodbyes to the Potentate, saw him on his way, and turned toward his tent, where he knew Merey had taken the obviously observant young lady.

Posted by: Loranna Today, 11:48 AM

QUOTE(Rhedd @ Aug 24 2005, 05:40 AM)

Something not quite like a laugh issued from the cloud that had been Herwyn. "Manners; Naught but more limits..."

"Humility," Loranna says. "Even Vivec bent his knee to the Emperor, and with honest devotion. Now the two of you stop acting like boys or I'm going to snack on your egos until they fit through the next gate. Honestly, if Tris were here right now he'd be mortified."

She laughs a little, and looks to Deothur. "Do you see something they've discarded?" she asks.

===

And we'll find out the answer to that next time.

Lock. On.

Loranna