Continue here please!
http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=6&t=3587&st=200#entry91676
Green-Root, Valus mountains.
Green-Root had returned to the Silhouette. He grabbed a jug of Mazte from a snoring bandit and delightfully swallowed the liquid.
,,Leyawiin is gone. Bravil will soon follow. With the smell of loot in their small noses, those pirates are willing to obey every command. It is as if presenting a dog with a bone to chew on." He reported.
Jonathan
"Well, if what that letter says is true.. Then yes, I suppose I am some monster." He spoke in a somber tone, reflecting on his new found mission.
Flint Ironwood, comforting and revealing a bit about himself.
Flint looked at the younger man with a hint of sadness. He too had felt lost before.
,,Whatever happens, never forget this. You are Jonathan, nothing more and nothing less. What you become is your decision, no one else's. You are no monster unless you act like one." He spoke calmly.
,,We all have our dark secrets. I've done the same thing Altec did. Don't see me as a saint. I've made mistakes, and paid in blood. I just don't want to see you end up making the same mistake. If, when we meet your brother, try to persuade him to make peace. Don't resort to violence unless there is absolutely no other way."
The Silhouette, Valus Moutains
"Good, you have followed your deed perfectly" he said as a mage handed him a large sum of money in a sack. "I want you to sink all the ships in the Imperial City harbor. There are hundreds of ships, but you will have around fifty shadow-scales with you. You will be paid a large sum of money for this deed" he said with a hiss. All that was visible was his two purple eyes.
Green-Root, Valus mountains.
Green-Root simply nodded. So the Silhouette feared the Empire's naval strength. That revealed a facet of this dark being. It wasn't invincible. Yes, it knew it could be beaten.
,,Consider it done. The ships shall sink to the bottom of the lake and block the harbor so that no new ships can replace them."
The Argonian turned around swiftly and left on his next mission.
OOC: good move on speeding us up Florodine.
Rann
Rann barely heard Dalrus's apology as he looked at the city of Leyawiin burning.
"We should probably talk about this later." he said to her before nudging his horse into full gallop towards the city to help who he could.
Flint Ironwood.
Flint jumped off of his horse and then cast a jumping spell that brought him over what remained of the city walls. He dropped down near the nearest group of wounded and began to put his limited first aid skills to good use.
,,And, Jonathan. Even monsters have a heart capable of helping people." He thought to himself.
(Yeah, well. I'm off to bed.)
Flogir
Flogir walked through the streets of Leyawiin, casting his eyes in all directions. He was looking for those that needed help, but many he found were dead.
Memories of Kvatch sprouted within his mind as he searched through the decimation of the town. It was all too familiar for him. He couldn't help but brush away the wetness coming from his eyes.
What could possibly do this? He thought in desolate wonder.
OOC: Thanks! ![]()
Dalrus, Leyawiin
"Of course," she said to rann. She road off towards the city and was greeted by a whoosh of smoke and horrible smells as the gate was opened by her mysticism. There were bodies everywhere and the town was a pile of charred smoke. Leyawiin was an extremely beautiful town, with large mansions built in a rich southern red and yellow color. The castle was in tact except for most of the towers had been hit by catapults. The sea-wall was smashed down and hundreds of dead guards with other pirate looking warriors were scattered in the harbor, eveidently the site of the battle. No living people were in site.
She road up to the book store where fires still consumed the building. The hall of the blackwood fighters was surrounded by dead pirates and a few fighters. She got off and walked inside where it was a different scene, all the fighters had been slaughtered. They had held the door for a while but there were too many rogues and they slaughtered them inside.
The mages guild was a similar story and here Dalrus felt the pain of such a loss of life. This was kvatch all over again.
Sodsa Hekal, roasting chestnuts on the Leyawiin fire
Sodsa gazed up at the burning city and his eyes widened, "Damn, another one?" Sodsa nudged his horse, causing it to speed up toward the town. Upon reaching the gate, Sodsa bent down and patted the horse's muzzle, whispering," 'ey girl, You wait here, gonna see if i can't help out and get me some better armor."
The horse gave a sound of opposition and Sodas laughed out and then quited down. "I said help first, 'sides, they're dead, I have a feeling I'll need it more then they will. I'll get somethin' for you too. I'll be back as soon as i can."
ooc: Yeah, so i just realized that i forgot to say my guy had a bow in his char sheet.... honestly, what was I thinking... and no, Sodsa can't talk to animals, or if he can neither I or he know it
Issac
The letter still troubled him, but he took refuge in Satyana's song. Leyawiin had been pretty in a cource sort of way, but this was definitly not an improvement. Looks like raiders, came along looted the city, then left.......
He followed behind the others, and kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. You must go into danger with both eyes open, once started there is no chance of going back.......
The Wandering Sage, Near Leyawiin
The peace of the forest was broken when, the young mer noticed the columns of smoke from the direction of Leyawiin. Sprinting through to the river, she beheld the burning ruins of the once majestic harbor. What could have done this?
Several bodies -and body parts- floated by carried by the current. Then she realized, the river flows from Bravil to Leyawiin........ So which was attacked first? Questions gave birth to more questions, and there wasn't an answer in sight.
She clenched and unclenched her fist, she didn't know what to do....... If Bravil and Leyawiin were both attacked, regardless of what order, then the Imperial City could be in danger...... or already in it........ She finally made her decision, whispering ancient phrases she became translucent and then she dissappeared completely..........
Ian, middle of a rock and a hard place......
Several suits of armor stood around them, each didn't seem to be affected by the moisture of the coastal town Oh, for the love of Azura! Is there a place I can go that doesn't have something going just as I get there?
There was something odd about these things though. First of all, there has to be something magical that's possessing them. Two, they aren't rusting, and three....... He spun on his heel, There is a suspicious man standing right behind us..........
OCC: Ian didn't actually hear him coming, he just trusted his instincts........ and was lucky
Rann
He looked around with his katana in hand, seeing no friends and no enemies. Seeing no need for it, he sheathed his weapon and walked through the streets in horror.
Someone has to bring order. With no strong leader, be he elected or not, we can't hope to stand against a force like the one that did this.
He was actually thankful for the fires, for they served to cover up the smell of death and battle with that of smoke.
He turned towards the Three Sister's Inn, even though he was two an a half days early for his meeting with the altmer. Somehow, he hoped he would be there.
Satyana
She was almost in another mental state, the ancient tune somewhat possessed her and she felt safe and secure ..oddly enough. She noticed the others being watchful or even scared, she could feel it, but she hoped Issac was affected by her song, she wanted to protect him and Rann.....the two men she cared most about.
The sight of corpses and body parts just lying about disturbed her....she tried as hard as she could to close her mind to it, when there was no need for help she had a hard time coping with blood and wounds...
It pleased her that Dalrus was together with them again....
Rann....be careful, I donīt want you to get hurt!
She turned to Issac, smiling and quickly planted a faint kiss on his cheek.....
Iīll protect you.....
Issac, surprised, embarassed......
It took several moments for Issac to register what just happened. She kissed me..... Despite the scene of ruin and death, he felt warmth fill his body at her gesture. The cauldron of mixed feelings and emotions was more complex then anything he'd experienced before.
He idly ran his hand over the cheek Satyana had kissed. That was real....... He felt the same about her, but he didn't know if it was appropriate to display affection out in the open like this. I've seen this before, but this is...... that was between other people.....
He tried his best to conjure up his disipline, and he opened his mouth to say something; nothing came out. He could fel his face burning in embarrisment...... and to his surprise, some pleasure. This is interesting and new......
Sodsa Hekal, a browsin' we shall go
Sodsa was walking through the streets when he saw Dalrus in the Mage's guild. Ducking under the burning door frame, Sodsa stepped in behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder, "You okay?"
Sodsa looked around at the mess and saw at least one body, and flames eating away at every wall.
Hrm, this place will probably go down in a couple candle marks
Jonathan
Jonathan knelt and examined the bodies. "A day.. Possibly more" He remarked. Death was becoming such a common occurance that he didn't feel as strickened as before.
"Poor bastardes didn't even stand a chance.." He made a guess by comparing the number of bodies. It seemed that there were many more raider bodies then that of the town guard.. Or well, the townfolk as well.
The castles was partially destroyed as well, or at least the battlements were. Jonathan went to investigate, and as almost an after thought pulled his sword out even though Rann sheathed his.
Before he made his way into the actual keep of the castle he called back to the group. "We don't want to stay here long, disease is going to run rampant here vary shortly.."
Veric
Veric emerged from the smoldering remains of the Three Sister's Inn with Voltar with him, at first mere sihouettes through the smoke. It was as if he were lying in wait for them to show up in Leyawiin.
"This is terrible," he said with a somber look on his face as he inspected the landscape. Before he arrived Veric took precautions to hide his presence. He meditated and enclosed his mind, hiding both his identity and his power from those around him. Though it cost him the ability to cast magick. It was all he could do to maintain his appearance and still hide his true power. Any spellcasting would probably break his concentration and give him away.
"Glad to see you made it, though it was a bit earlier than we agreed."
Sarin, blade out
Sarin had drawn his father's sword and a beaded ebony necklace with pearls imbeded in them. 'from my father' he said, handing the necklace to serene wlist avoding eye to eye contact, ' he says that he hopes your doing allright, and wishes to you and your daughter's good health' Noticing the fire around them, he replaced his blade with his brush and drew a barrier of ink over the three, bringing the dirt and rocks from the floor over them in a protective barrier. Note-ing that serene was with little clothes, he abruptly turned his head away and used greeting rann as a excuse to look elsewhere. 'Hello there, im Sarin Valor! im a... delivery boy!"
Dalrus, Smoldering Ruins of Leyawiin
Dalrus was touched that Sodsa wanted to comfort her. "I'm not sure," she said as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I was friends with many of the mages here, this was one of my favorite guild halls" she gave Sodsa a hug. "Thanks for coming, lets go from this place, it speaks of evil." Electricity went from finger to finger as she walked from the guild and out into the open again.
The three sisters inn was down the road. She had been friends with all of them, and she always stayed there. It was one of the largest buildings and she walked towards it
Flint Ironwood
The Breton looked around.
,,Yeah, this place is totally gone." He spoke to Jonathan and then let out a loud curse.
,,Damnit! Ocato gets killed which drags us out of the library. Then, we try to read the book at your dad's place who gets murdered. Frightened by that, we rush over to Leyawiin only to find that we've been wasting time. Is there someone else here who feels like we're hunting decoys instead of reading the damn book and finding out what we're dealing with? Who's got the book now anyway?"
Karn, reporting
As Green-Root departed, Karn strode confidantly toward the Silhouete. He kneeled and produced the Ocato's severed finger, the ring glinted in the light. "The deed is done, my lord." He spoke in a reverant tone.
"I bring news on a....... complication to your cause." And I intend to erase that problem with or without your consent. He thought to himself.
OCC: the "complication" would be the good guys (they did try and interfere with the assassination.......
Flogir
Flogir slowly made his way over to Flint and Jonathan. His mood was definitely displeased and depressed.
"This brings back too many bad memories..." he said softly to the others. He looked around.
"Where are the others?"
Voltar
Voltar looked around at his surroundings indifferently. The raiders had been thorough in their destruction. Whatever compelled them to do so, certainly had quite the appeal. He noticed this since many raiders were strewn across the streets as well as the residents of Leyawiin.
There'll me much to rebuild once we have control of this province, he thought absently, making sure to mask his thoughts.
He kept silent, standing behind Veric as he spoke with the Dunmer. He would only speak if Veric decided to introduce him.
Green-Root, valus mountains.
Green-Root met up with the shadowscales, fifty of them.
,,Take spears. We'll fight where the smoothskins cannot reach us, from below the waves." He ordered and watched with pleasure how the Argonian assassins went to work in a quick and efficient manner.
(Umm, the shadowscales are assassins, right?)
Issac
He heard Satyana ask him to hold her...... But his mind was so muddled and mixed up. Part of him was happy to oblige, but the other part, the part that he liked, the agent part, told him not to do anything foolish.
I want to be in love, but how far I am I willing to go so soon? Issac couldn't think of what to do. Ian loved before, but it didn't work out....... and he was able to just let it go......
He took a deep breath, Ian told me that if I am to love, then I must love carefully and make sure that I remain in control....... I will try not to make those mistakes.... Slowly, tentatively he moved close to Satyana and lightly embraced her. Remain in control even in private. He felt his heart racing....... Am I doing the right thing for both our sakes?
Satyana
Satyana gave Issac another smile and moved even closer to him. She felt his heart beating hard and strong and as she leant against him....that made her feel warm and comfortable.
Just donīt resist, dearest, we are here and now, and thatīs all that matters, we might be dead tomorrow, so why not share some warmth and some love while we can? Iīm not pulling you down, I just want to feel.....now! They say my mother once fell in love with...someone who then loved another woman, and mom never stopped loving him, I donīt know if it was my father or Rannīs....or even the other one.....oh itīs so sad, and I wonīt let that happen to me....
She gently stroke his chin.....
"Issac...."
I think I love you
Issac, very uncomfortable
Satyana's voice and touch was enchanting. Issac felt greater warmth envelope him, it felt great, but part of him didn't understand or want to cooperate. What am I doing? It feels so pure, but........ but it feels wrong.
He gripped Satyana a little tighter, regardless to the voice's complaints. What will happen after this though, what lurks beyond this momentary bliss? The voice asked, but it was almost a gasp compared to the howling wind of this feeling. Issac lightly ran his hands through her hair, and he whispered back to 'Tyana. "What is it?"
WHAT WOULD EVERYONE AROUND YOU TWO THINK IF YOU CONTINUE LIKE THIS?! The voice was no longer a weak sound, but instead became a roar that demanded to be heard. Issac shivered at its ferocity, and he flinched. "What are we doing? It came as a gasp, and it was Issac's actual voice....
Dalrus, Leyawiin
Dalrus noticed that Sodsa was following her and smiled. It was kind of him to think of her, however she could take care of herself. 'What a nice man,' she thought. She shot a small bit of weak ice magic on a small fire that was still burning on the rubble. She did this on any fire in her way, except the really large ones. She came to the door of the Three Sister's Lodge and it was bashed in, and the very extravagant hotel had been looted and looted again.
She walked inside and found Rann, and the young man from the councilors chambers talking.
The Silhouette, Valus Mountains
"Wipe out this 'complication' in whatever way you can, I do not care for another nuisance" he said coldly. "It should not be a problem for someone of your 'special abilities.' You will be rewarded greatly for this," he then turned around. "Leave me, I have preparations to make," he then walked further into the cave
Meanwhile the army worked it's way south. Harlun's watch was hopefully wiped out by the werewolf, and Cheydinhal would be caught off guard. No matter, however, the army was large enough to wipe out the city with ease. The city was miles away and they would reach it by nightfall.
Far up north more events were taking place. Tranag, a reaver war chief with a great army, came south. The chief sat upon a great horse and looked down from the Jerall mountains at the sight of Bruma and the surrounding country. The reavers poured down from the mountains and took a small village nestled in the mountains by surprise.
Eurod, Bruma
Eurod had helped the young man from the roof top and the guards escorted the man to jail where he would return all the money with a fine of 50 gold coins.
The jails had been crazy, men shouting to go east, the call was out there once more. Eurod kissed Galadile tenderly and went to get his armor. Suddenly a bloodied guard rode in, and nearly collapsed from his horse. "Sir, attack" he gasped. "Attack, north, reavers," he said. Eurod's eyes widened and he ran to the stables calling all soldiers. The town was suddenly in an uproar as small black dots suddenly appeared on the peaks to the north east.
Satyana, not understanding...
"Giving each other something .....Oh Issac what are you afraid of??, We arenīt doing anything wrong....on the contrary Iīd say, why donīt you just give in....?"
There are so much violence in this world...and this is just the beginning, I can feel an evil breeze, and I donīt think Iīll ever see Chorrol again..or Serene, I...I foresee my own death, so please Issac, show me some love before the evil takes me, will you?
Sodsa Hekal -> i dunno of anything smart to say soo... Leyawiin
Sodsa saw Dalrus's spells and half joked "hmph show-off." Sodsa made it to the Three Sister's Inn and saw that there were already people. He came up behind Dalrus, "So we missed the party?"
Issac, pondering
Though he had regained control of himself, Issac still held Satyana. He closed his eyes tightly and struggled with his mind. "Satyana......... I'm very fond of you." Issac didn't dare use any other word.
"I want to be with you as much as you want to be with me." He opened his eyes and managed to read some of her features. She's worried, frightened........ could it be that she thinks........ His thought ended there when he realized he'd discovered the source, or at least part of the source. The warmth deminished greatly, and he felt cold despite 'Tyana being in his arms.
"You think your going to die?" Issac asked, surprise and confusion mingled within his voice. He stared at her, waiting for a responce......
The Wandering Sage, Imperial City
She materialized in the Market District, and released the breath sheid been holding. Excellent, the city hasn't been attacked yet, so I might be able to do some good....... The mage strode through the diserted streets, when she noticed the Black Hourse Courior on the wall.
Flint Ironwood, Leyawiin.
Flint was sitting in a corner of the inn, rapidly applying stitches to a still shapeless mass of brown fabric. He looked up when Dalrus and Sodsa arrived, his hand trailing near his blades for just a moment. He smiled and nodded.
,,Ah, Sodsa. I was just about to go look for you. Could you try this on please?" The Breton asked and applied the last few stitches. He then approached the Bosmer with his bundle.
,,I'm not sure if you want this but seeing how you got pretty beat up back in Chorrol, I figured you would like some glass armour. The glass is beneath the outer layer so you don't act like a beacon to every bandit with dreams of riches." He explained and held his creation out in front of him.
,,So, wanna see if it fits?"
(If you don't want it, the armour simply won't fit.
)
Green-Root, approaching Cyrodiil city.
The air was devoid of sounds. Still, a few fires lingered in the city though the guards had managed to bring the situation back under control. That would not last, though. If anyone would stare into the water, he or she would see a dark mass of shapes flying through the water. Fish, or something more evil?
The Argonians slid through the water with the grace of their kind.
,,Group one starts from the left. Group two from the right, Group three waits here and sinks any ship that tries to escape. Don't engage the sailors in battle, poke the hull a few times and move on." Green-Root ordered in the secret tongue Argonians used underwater.
He himself joined group one. The Shadowscales swept from ship to ship like an unseen plague, drilling holes into the hulls with their spears. The fleet would have been a formidable force against any foe above the waves, yet underneath it, this very same fleet was completely helpless and at the mercy of the Argonians. A mercy they did not receive.
Several ships tried to escape, none made it in the end. People splashed into the lake, a lake that soon took on the crimson colour of red as an aquatic battle begun between the Argonians and the sailors. Unused to fighting in this environment, the resistance was practically nonexistent. Finally, two hours after their bloody work began, the Shadowscales returned to their master.
Unknown man, near Bravil (too balance out things. Those pirates need to be stopped permanently)
The pirate captain took a healthy amount of Sujamma. The repairs had gone faster than expected. Just a few more minutes, and they would strike Bravil. He smiled at the thought of screams, blood and loot.
,,Sir! Sir!" One pirate suddenly shouted from the mast. The captain grumbled.
,,What is it, you landlubber?"
,,A robed man is standing on the water in front of us!"
The captain moved to the bow. Indeed, a man dressed in a brown robe stood on the surface of the water, his face hidden in the shadows of his cloak, gloved hands casually gripping a black staf emitting an ominous red hue. The captain was surprised at seeing someone standing on the water, obviously thinking he could stop them.
,,Ha, so some of those damn mages survived our slaughter of Leyawiin! Did you come to join your friends?" The Captain shouted down at the robed man.
The robed man raised his hand and removed the cloak, causing gasps and screams of utter fear all around. With a bony grin, he raised his free hand towards the ship.
,,Alcohol is bad for your liver but good for fire. Burn as you burned Leyawiin, monsters." The man spoke and launched a single fireball at the ship's hold where a large collection of alcoholic beverages was stored. Within minutes, the ship burned down completely, its crew unable to escape thanks to the paralysis put on them. With his deed done, the man turned around and slowly walked back into the forest.
,,Now, back to my original task. Where are you, Selina?"
(I'll post him in the character thread. Veterans from the first rp might recognize him already. Slow as a mudcrab, enough firepower to keep up with Death.)
Issac, sympathetic
The man who was talking to Rann? The politician? He was somewhat suspicious..... He came in and began to talk about revolution and large-scale change........ Issac knew from the start that the man was probably untrustworthy, but this was something different altogether.
He looked down at Satyana, and smiled, decision made. Issac held her close and spoke comfortingly. "Calm down, 'Tyana." He stroked her hair and whispered to in her ear. "I love you, and I'll do all I can to keep you safe."
Issac lifted her chin with his hand and kissed her on the lips...... This could lead to my death, or it might not, either way I know that her life is more important....... somehow. And I hope Ian will understand why I'm doing this.....
Issac, with Satyana
"That's how we agents do things, my love." He answered, breathlessly. "We might need to be discreet about this too." Issac began to move them into a nearby alley. I've never felt anything like this.....
They kissed and embraced, each enjoying their moment together. "Somewhere along the......the line, we'll have to meet up with the others and....... end this happiness." He told her between kisses......
The Wandering Sage, IC
It was several minutes before she pulled herself together. And a good deal later before she heard the screams and cries from the Waterfront. "Looks like they've finally arrived." She muttered, fire enveloping her hands.
Though the Waterfront was in the opposite direction, the mer hastened to the Arcane University. From the bridge connecting the Imperial City to the University the mage evaluated the chaos. Ships were sinking, some of them in such shallow water that they couldn't submerge completely.
Vaulting over the edge and casting a slowfall spell, she landed on the beachhead. Looking closely at the water she spotted black shapes that swiftly traveled from vessel to vessel. Argonians, She thought. Must be wielding spears....
Despite better judgement, she cast a breathe water spell and dived in........
Green-Root, Cyrodiil city.
Green-Root looked over his shoulder to see if everyone was following. This also notified him of their pursuer.
,,An elf. We'll see if she wants to fight. If so, standard surrounding tactics, block off the path to the surface, keep the fight near the bottom of the lake where we can use the rocks to our advantage. When she runs out of Magicka, she'll drown." He ordered swiftly. The full group of assassins came to a halt and faced their pursuer.
The water surrounding them would make an effective icespell extremely draining on the Magicka reserves while firespells where instantly snuffed out. Likewise, most other spells were physically impaired by the water. The only spell he worried about was a form of lightning. Yet, seeing as how using that would be practically suicide, he doubted to see it.
The Wandering Sage, suicidal
The Argonians obviously knew what they were doing, they'd blocked the route to the surface. No matter, I didn't intend to take a breath anyway...... As of yet they had kept their distance, and that gave her some time to think on a plan.
When a plan did come to her, she snapped her fingers in triumph, and the water carried that sound. She knew that Argonians had another lense on their eyes to protect them from debris in the water. That was what allowed them to see through murky water with clarity.
Smiling to herself under her hood, she recalled that a fellow mage had once theorized that this lense would not block light but instead would make light brighter.
Making the proper motions she unleashed a great flash of light, hoping to blind her scaly opponents..........
Green-Root, with his shadowscales.
The blinding light was very effective. Everywhere, the shadowscales shut their eyes to avoid being blinded, leaving only their hearing and sense of watercurrents to aid them. From the water came several incomprensable gurgles, Argonian underwater speak.
,,Cast lifedetection spells. Those closest to Cyrodiil, move to the flanks and create an opening. If the woman wants to flee, she is free to do so. If she wants to fight, kill her." Green-Root commanded as his claws lit up in a commanding gesture. Lifedetection didn't function through light. As such, he could see the purple haze enveloping every living being even with his eyes closed. Several began to move, shifting their formation, creating a gap in the sphere around the woman.
Green-Root gripped his spear, confident in the skill of his allies. His spear remained in its silver form, ready to transform to Daedric at a simple command.
Issac, being the voice of reason
"Well, for one thing, it would be best if everyone else can concentrate on what's going on." He answered. "No, I'm not worried about myself, I promised to protect you and I keep my oaths."
Issac felt slightly chilled in the way she asked about his profesion. "I was in the Imperial City because after what happened in Chorrol, Ian sent me a letter to meet up there." He didn't know what Satyana was getting at with this. "I came because Ian asked me to, and now I'm in love with you........"
The Wandering Sage, Lake Rumare
While the spell had obviously worked, but the Argonians were compensating for loss of sight. Maybe I should have thought that through......... Then an idea struck her. The water...... telekinisis can affect substance, so it can affect water......
This she was certain would not fail, spreading her arms out and calling upon her magika, she began to put her plan into action. The water right infront of her moved away and there was now a bubble of air.
With her mind, she threw the sphere at the nearest Argonian........ It smacked into it with enough force to knock it out of the water. Smiling, she began to summon more projectiles. If these Agronians think I'll run out soon then they're right........ and wrong.
Karn, Blackwood
The forest appeared calm and peaceful, but then a huge burly orc walked into the picture. Karn sighed, These orcs have no knowledge of stealth, but I can't blame them for that........ barbarians.
The goblins were smaller and harder to spot, and the bandits knew how to stay unseen.
Karn trudged in front, the others following close behind. He stopped as they reached the river and he turned to address the force. "You'll all wait here, I'm going to scout out the city, and no one better be missing when I get back."
Quietly moving along the rooftops, Karn looked over the razed town. Pirates, they're nothing more than alcahol and brawn, no brains....... Because of his fuming he almost missed the two people in the alley below him.
One he recognized, Issac, Ian's son, bot the other he didn't remember........ Mmm......... How foolish the young are these days, he mused. Perhaps I can use this to my advantage...... Beneath his cowl he grinned malicously.
He would watch them carefully, love could be as much weakness as it could be a strength. In this case, Karn thought. It will be the former........
Green-Root, aquatic battle!
Green-Root was completely surprised by the sudden change of tactics and found himself up into the air, breaking through the surface of the water a moment later as gravity took control. Momentarily stunned, his instincts kicked in and with a mighty swing of his tail, he stopped his descent before slamming into a rock.
The Argonian scrambled around, looking for his spear. He took a gamble and opened his eyes. The light had vanished fortunately. He spied the reflection of his spear's shaft and picked it up. Green-Root took cover behind one of the many rocks littering the bottom. He'd decided to watch the battle rather than participate. This woman was a new factor in the equation, a factor he had to judge and add in to his assesmant of the overal situation.
Life detection did not detect telekinetically pushed water. As such, it was only after a few shadowscales had been swept away that the remaining assassins reacted. They moved in closer, using their full speed to break trough the bubbles, though upon breaking through, their charge had greatly diminished in speed. Two shadowscales reached their prey nearly simultaneously, only to miss and impale each other upon their spears. The rest was more cauteous though and stopped just short of crashing into their foe. They pointed their spears threateningly at the woman, knowing fully well that a telekinetic blast in all directions simultaneously would provide unpleasant consequences for the woman. Consequences such as being suspended within a vacuum.
Green-Root emerged from behind his rock. Using his spear, he drew words in the sand.
,,You fight well. Perhaps you will prove to be a deciding factor in this conflict. Go, find out what fate has in store for you. We will not stop you, I promise. Unless you decide to stay and fight, that is. If so, know that you have only seen a mere shadow of our abilities. Those two who killed each other don't count. They were mere fools." At the same time, Green-Root ordered the shadowscales to lower their spears and make way.
The Silhouette, Valus Mountains
The Silhouette was nearly ready. His sword suddenly appeared, summoned with incomprehensible foreign words. The army was ready, all that remained was for the battle to commence. A mage came into the cave.
"Master?" he asked scared by the quiet dark of the cave. Suddenly a loud rustling could be heard and a shadow was seen rushing forward. The cave door slammed open, as if on its' own accord, and light poured in. A large creature, tiger like, though with out stripes and much more ferocious and evil looking, stood with the Silhouette on its' back. It was about 7 feet tall, while on all fours, and extremely long. Its claws were about a foot long and curved, though they were retractable. Its teeth were about nine inches long and as sharp as razors. The whole creature was black, completely, with firey red eyes.
"I will return," was all the Silhouette said. Suddenly the creature bounded forward and jumped. It was a magnificent jump, huge and far. It jumped straight off a cliff, though when it hit the ground it was not hurt in anyway. Completely unharmed the creature bounded off, huge bounds and covering many miles faster than the fastest horse.
Meanwhile the army was near cheydinhal. They had been spotted, but it was too late. Cataputs were brought up and soon a hail of stones would be on the city. Daavn, a nord of the Silhouette's army came forward.
"Surrender the city, you will be subjects of the Silhouette and citizens of his empire," he said to the commander of the city who stood atop the wall.
"My reply is this" he said slowly as a guard brought him a javalin. Asurani, the dark elf(of obvious ashlander descent) commander through the spear straight through the nord. He ducked as thousands of the (from here until their renamed) easterners fired their arrows. Thirty soldiers died in the volly, but the cheydinhal soldiers fired back and sixty orcs fell. A catapult fired and the attack on the wall began. One section was being attacked by catapults, while ladders were brought up to another section. The battering ram was brought forward...
Dalrus, Leyawiin, Three Sister's Lodge
Dalrus looked as Veric and Rann discussed something. She wondered why the young man was meeting them in such a place, only three days since they had last seen him. She tried not to be judgemental as she had just apologized for being that way against Rann's idea of government.
Arezt Arco Colerion
Leyawiin
Arco couldn't but ignore the stranger who just appeared, his actions was confusing to Arco but seemed to hand Serene something. Already seen, Arco knew Serene could protect herself from stranger if anything should happend - because at the moment he was more interested in the figures he saw moving inbetween the houses and streets inside the city.
Arco broke through the barrier protecting them from the fires that had merged around them. Arco glanced back at Serene.
Seems we got some more company, I'll check.
Arco swifly made his way towards the figures, leaping silently into a ruined house - blending perfectly he moved towards a shattered window. He could point out at least three or four figures near the Three Sisters Inn, no one seemed to look like pirates as they seemed to investigate the area. Arco decided to reveal himself, he jumped upon the window frame pulling his twin blades out before leaping off landing not far from the window before stepping up towards the group outside the inn in a calm matter, both blades resting on each side of his shoulder.
"Ain't nothing left to save." Arco spoke out loud and clearly for the group to hear him as he approached.
Issac with 'Tyana
"I know some magic, though I'm not a specialist in healing. All I can do is heal myself......." Issac returned her smile. "Well, I'm glad we are agreed, my love."
"I think I saw the others going to the Three Sister's Tavern. And I think we can be in love, in private, not in front of everyone....." Then he adopted a thoughtful look. "At least until this is all over, then I'm sure we can be happy with each other."
As they began to walk, Issac decided to talk about magic, and his past. "So, do you know anything besides Restoration?
The Wandering Sage, yeilding
The Argonians had her on the business end of their spears, but they suddenly lowered them and spread out, if not grudgingly. What are they doing? Of course she couldn't ask them underwater, so she cast a waterwalking spell.
She flew upward to the surface, and began to walk to the shore. When she looked around she spotted another Argonian.........
OCC: The argonian is Green-Root, Cloudy
Satyana
"Yes letīs go there" she said, quite satisfied about how this had turned out. She hadnīt expected to meet someone that sheīd fall in love with but as it now happened it was wonderful. Three Sisterīs Taver it was....
When they came inside, it was quite dark in there and it took her a while before she saw Rann and the others...the sense of evil was overwhelming in here and she panicked for a moment and clung to Issac with a gasp for air
You see him? That one...with Rann...heīs not who he claims to be...Iīm sure
Serene
"Ahhh...." She didnīt expect Arco to run off like that, even though she should have....so she followed him to the Tavern, from behind , hiding in the shadows...but prepared....a faint blueish light emerged from her hands, barely invisible
Green-Root, in the lake.
Green-Root told the shadowscales to continue on their journey back to the Sil. He would gather some information before following.
With a single kick of his legs, he breached the surface. There he remained, looking at the woman.
,,Now what was that all good for?" He asked rudely.
Flogir
Flogir had made his way over to the Three Sister's Inn with the rest of the group and found that the strangers they ran into back in the Imperial City were back. Flogir thought that was odd, but if his memory was correct, he thought he overheard them speaking of meeint with Rann once again. Maybe this was the spot.
It was then that another stranger suddenly called out to them from behind. The suddeness caused Flogir to jump, unsheathing Iceshard out of instinct.
"By the Divines man! Must you sneak up on us like that?" he asked the stranger (Arco), "And I think we figured out that there's no one else here, at least, we thought we did."
Flogir was wary of this newcomer, it certainly looked like he could use the twin blades he held.
Arezt Arco Colerion
Leyawiin
"Old habit I guess." Arco replied to the upcoming Nord.
"Know anything about what's going on?" Arco questioned in a serious tone whilst walking up to the group, his eyes moving from one person to another.
Flogir
"Well I guess the point of our little party is to investigate the source of who, or what, is causing all these attacks. We know whatever it is comes from the East, and we have an ancient text that could possibly give us some information on what we're dealing with. It's just that it turns out the situation always gets worse and we're off doing other stuff before we even take a look at this book that we possess," Flogir told the stranger, believing in his instinct that he was speaking with someone he could trust.
He extended his hand. "The name's Flogir. I take it you ain't from around here."
Serene
Mmm I think so too, seems likely
She remained in the shadows, didnt want to show her face but said in a very faint voice
"Iīm Adriana, nice to meet you folks"
Flogir
"Yes there have been other attacks. Councillor Ocato, the same councillor who has been governing the Empire since the last Septim left, has been assassinated by a minion of whoever started these attacks. The Imperial City was in a riot of madness when we managed to escape. Bad tidings, I'm afraid," Flogir said, his tone dire.
He also waved a polite greeting to Adriana. He assumed she was the shy type, so he didn't to decide to sheath Iceshard. He didn't want to look threatening. He returned his attention to Arco.
"You obviously arrived here after the battle, so I'm kinda curious of what brought you here."
Jonathan
Jonathan eyed Flogir and the two stangers with an interested eye, before he took another large swig of whatever it was he was drinking. His thirst bated, and his head light, he walked towards a window outlooking the street.
"Blasted place is a mess.. Please get out that damned book, I'd sooner like to get out of here I think." He grumbled as he traced the frame of the glass.
Satyana
"Ok Issac, you asked me if I know something more than restoration.....well yes I do, I do know of a very potent spell, in the schola of destruction. Serene taught me, and pray to all nine divines that I wonīt be needed to cast it, because it will be the end of the target, I promise you!"
She noticed a strange man....and a woman hiding in the shadows when they entered Three Sisters, but the vibrations were good, no evil to find in those two....
OOC: She doesnīt recognise Serene/Adriana, and may it stay that way....for Sereneīs sake!
Sodsa Hekal, Three Sister's Inn
Sodsa heard a call from a corner and saw Flint coming over with a bundle. Upon hearing Flint's reson for making it the way he did, Sodsa couldn't help but laugh. "Ha ha ha, excellent, sure hand it here." Sodsa tossed his cloak, mithral cuirass, and present shirt revealing the scars from hunts gone wrong. Sodsa didn't doubt people stared but he ignored them and pulled the glass cuirass down over his head, shifting it into place.
"If you don't mind, I'm not going to try on the greaves here, I'm sure I've already scared you enough." Sodsa smiled. "Well, not the most comfortable thing out there but I've heard thats glass for ya." Sodsa grabbed his cloak and put it back on.
"I thank you. I really don't want a repeat of that dr-." Sodsa stopped and glaced at the floor for a second frowning and then looked back up at Flint smiling again, but with a hint of worry in his eyes. "Well yeah, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go erm, try on the greaves." Sodsa gave Flint a curt nod and turned to go upstairs, where there were bound to be rooms to change in.
ooc: So, where is everyone in here? i.e. is everyone on the main floor or are some people on the top floors?
Jack: (or anyone, but i'm assuming Flint's the only one paying attention to Sodsa) You can inquire about the dream, Sodsa will talk about it. i dunno, good idea btw
Issac
"Must be a powerful spell to completely destroy the target." Issac replied, and he shrugged raising a hand that was incased in a nimbus of fire. "I proficient in destruction, mysticisum, alteration, and illusion....... But I'm not a master in any of them."
He glanced at the newcomers, the man was obviously a seasoned warrior. The woman though........ she had a slight aura of magika about her, like she was masking her power. Then Issac noticed something odd, Her eyes! He quickly cast a look into Satyana's eyes. They have the same eyes......... that beautiful violet.
Issac didn't know if it was coincidence or if there was a relation between them. Well, I could always tell 'Tyana...... He thought about it, I'll wait, perhaps things should come at their own time. "Um...... didn't we just have a talk about this, Satyana." He was addressing the fact that she had clung to him. Still he did glare slightly at the 'Altmer.' You think about hurting her, and you'll have to face me........
The Wandering Sage
A single Argonian surfaced and asked her, quite pointedly, why she had gotten in their way. "I saw what happened to Leyawiin! And I do not intend to let the Imperial City face the same Fate!" She yelled to him.
She waded into the shallow water. "Why were you and your kin sinking those boats?"
Ian, reuniting with the group
The dunmer and woman left toward the ruins of the city, leaving Ian with the odd man....... I want to hang around with this person as much as with Mehrunes Dagon..... He wordlessly turned and strode toward the Three Sisters tavern.
He spotted the group, or most of it, gathered around the building. Underneath his hood he gave the politician another icy look. Harm yourself if you must, but don't try and twist the youth of Tamriel to your self-destructive campiegn........ Ian didn't know nor care if anyone, let alone the usurper caught his mental threat.
Karn, spying on everyone
Issac and the girl lead Karn directly to the rest of the troublemakers. They both earned his revulsion when the girl clung to him for a moment. Pathetic....... His thought was almost an acusation.
Two people appeared to the group, niether had evil intentions. This wasn't what I had planned! His ambush was a gamble as it was, but he would have to revise his tactics in order to cope for this new development.......
When Ian joined them, Karn's blood boiled. Even after all these years, Ian, you still draw breath. I swore long ago to regain my honor, and I shall not be denied my vengance! He retreated and moved off to the gates. Time to create the plan for their deathes, and those new problems too..... They will die for simply coming into contact with them....
OCC: just goes to show how much of a pain it is to miss a single afternoon and morning around here......
Flint Ironwood, Nice to have ya back, Sodsa.
Flint smiled and nodded.
,,Please be my guest." The Breton replied as he handed over the greaves.
,,I assume something unpleasant happened in the past?" He inquired politely, not having heard enough to conclude that the Bosmer was talking about a particularly bad dream.
As Sodsa skipped out of sight to a more private location, Flint directed his attention to the newcomers. He didn't know what to think of the Dunmer, except that it was best not to anger him. The woman however, she looked familiar.
,,Who is she? Hmm, if things keep going like this, I probably met her those blasted twenty years ago. Hmm, Brianna? Nope, she's older than that though it is hard to see. Ah, Brianna's mother. Serene something. Great, the biggest celebrity in Tamriel and I always forget her name."
Flint nodded a greeting to both of them. For some reason, he decided not to reveal the woman's identity.
,,I don't want Sathyana to get another heart attack. Just what is her grandmother doing here? Or did I get the whole family tree messed up again? Damn."
Green-Root, with the sage.
,,So that they would not get in the way." The Argonian replied bluntly.
,,If you value the lives of those in the city, make them leave. The Silhouette will come shortly with his forces. When he arrives, escape is impossible." Having said that, Green-Root descended back into the water and swam away at a leisurely pace.
The Silhouette, Cheydinhal
The arrows of the soldiers slaughtered many easterners. It was a stalemate. Orcs poured onto the walls but the soldiers held them at bay and the fight continued. The ram was brought up but had no effect on the iron walls. The dark elf captain of the Cheydinhal forces came up and where he came orcs fell, he was a great warrior. Suddenly things changed...
Into view came a great tiger looking monster. On it's back sat a cloaked figure with purple eyes. A great aura of power surreounded this figure and the orcs suddenly fought with new vigour. The gate, however did not break and the soldier continued holding them off. Suddenly an evil sound came out of the figure. It was a spell though not those used in Tamriel. "Igh nah hidek vo di ne mogh ne huro," The Silhouette said. The spell could be heard all over the place as a screeching rumble. Suddenly the gates splinttered into hundreds of shards. The iron evaporated in an instand and the gate house crumbled...
Sodsa Hekal, Changing in the Three Sister's Inn
Sodsa heard Flint's inquiry and almost turned around to answer. Almost. Sodsa continued upstairs and went into the nearest room, and swapped his current greaves for the new ones Flint gave him. After ensuring that they fit Sodsa went downstairs to regroup. "Thanks Flint, i'm sure this will come in handy."
Flint Ironwood, Three sisters inn.
Flint laughed.
,,Well of course it will help. The only thing that beats my glass armour is a big dose of dragon skin. Combined, its impenetrable." He boasted. During the last twenty years, Flint had made the switch from freelance thief to honourable smith. Like all smiths, he was proud of his work and somewhat sensitive when it came down to criticism.
,,So, now what does that book say in the end?"
The Wandering Sage
The Argonian dived back beneath the waves, leaving her to reflect on his words. "Very well, I will do what I must to save the most lives." She whispered and began the long trek back across the bridge to the Imperial City.
The guards were in disarray, and people were flooding the streets. How is it that normal citizens can panic incoherently without rational thought? Shaking her head, she approached on of the captains.
"We have to evacuate the city, the attack on the harbor was only a skirmish, the city can not hold against a full siege. At least not without leadership, this city is a lost cuase, Captain!" The man worked his jaw for a moment, then nodded.
"You're right, we can't hold out against an invasion force. Our first concern is the civilian populace." He turned to bark at his fellow watchmen. "Men, gather the districts on the other side of the bridge, there is a posibility that there will be another attack!"
"Thank you, Captain." She whispered, and ran to the Arcane University.
Flogir, Three Sister's Inn
"I don't even know who has the book at the moment," Flogir admitting, looking around the Inn.
"Hey! Who has the book!? I suggest we pop that sucker open and have a look see, ya know what I mean?" Flogir resulting to shouting in the Inn, hoping that whoever has it would decide that now would be a good time. He then turned back to Arco and shrugged his shoulders.
"It's a large group you see, some things kinda go unnoticed to me then."
Serene
"Yes, letīs leave" Serene whispered, she had recognised Satyana, and that frightened her, the child just shouldnīt be here, there was something about that Altmer.....she recognised him too, and thsat frightened her even more.
"But just letīs stay close, I have a bad feeling of this...."
Satyana, somewhat embarrassed
"Oh Issac, Iīm sorry, but itīs hard to restrain myself from......well being close to you!" the last words she whispered.
She let go of Issac but not more than just about, she felt secure with him, but the evil vibrations grew.....
Issac
"But we have to restrain ourselves, these aren't peaceful times." He whispered back to her. "I can tell that the counciler isn't what he claims to be, now that I know what to look for."
"When all of this over we'll be able to enjoy our love, but we can't right now." He consoled her. "I'm here, with you, just be calm....." Issac realized that Ian had returned, and averted his gaze. Please, Father, understand my feelings for Satyana.
Ian
Taking his eyes of the politician, Ian noticed Issac and Satyana. Both were much closer then they were three days ago. I guess I had expected this...... And Issac always meets my expectations.
He shook his head slightly, Hopefully, they'll be more controlled then they are now. Ian himself had been infatuated with someone before, but both of them saw the wisdom in moving on. I might have to speak with them later about this, but not now.....
OCC: Dalrus should have the book still
Flint Ironwood, with the group.
Flint took his chance and moved closer to the woman of who he was now convinced to be Serene, the mother of Brianna and therefore Sathyana's grandmother.
,,The Breton is back, he knows how to change shape." Was all he whispered to the Imperial before moving on as if he'd done nothing.
Arezt Arco Colerion
Leyawiin
"Sure - have a feeling this will get worse... fast." Arco whispered back to Serene.
Hecate
Imperial City
Hecate had eaten all food he had found in the small shack and was spreading his gear out on the bed. He took a close look, checking that he had all his equipment before he started taking on his thin leather armor. With most of his armor strapped on tight he felt something inside his curiass, he reached in and pulled out an odd looking amulet. It was the amulet Veric gave him twenty years ago - allowed him to both communicate with Veric along with shapeshifting.
This will come in handy...
Hecate sheathed his weapons and attached his cloak and turned towards the door and was about to take on the amulet when he heard the guards calling outside the shack for everyone to get out. Not even a moment later, two guards knocked the door open and was about to grab Hecate by the arm - but stopped and stood there shocked for a moment before reaching for their weapons - knowing this was Hecate who had escaped from the Imperial Prison.
The first guard was about to draw his sword, but Hecate launched forward unsheathing his katana and drove it into the guards throat before quickly pulling it back out and going into a spin - unleashing two quick strikes towards the second guard who stood no chance and fel to the floor, weapon still in it's sheath.
Hecate cleaned the blood off on his bed sheets before sheathing his katana on his back and taking on the amulet slowly. His face went black and distorted with small ripples before he suddenly reappeared as a young Breton - all in a flash. Hecate sprinted outside and headed towards the main gate, ignoring the guards trying to rally him with the others.
The Wandering Sage, Arcane University
The courtyard was filled with apprentices trying to carry more belongings then they could carry. She evaluated the situation, but there was little order to the chaos of the evacuation. A scholar was rushing for the gates, dropping dozens of scrolls on the ground in his haste to leave.
Before he had made it past her, she grabbed him by the collar, which cuased him to drop the rest of his notes. "Oh this is just great, look what you just did!" He yelled in her face, but she was niether in the mood nor the patience to listen to him. "Why aren't you all using drop-off points?"
The man looked at her with amusement. "Great idea, while you're at it why don't you get them to stop long enough to hear you?" She could feel her face burn at his mockery, and she let go of his robe. She took a deep breath and shouted over the wind. "EVERYONE, STOP THIS NON-SENSE NOW!"
All the mages in the courtyard stopped and stared at her with surprise and anger. "PANICING ISN'T GOING TO SAVE YOU, SO START WORKING TOGETHER!" Without waiting she began to yell instructions for the mages who could teleport to begin moving equipment and their fellow mages to safety.
As the scholars and apprentices snapped to their duties she calmed down and smiled. "That's better........" She doubted anyone heard her.
Dalrus, Leyawiin
"I am not sure who has the book to be honest, I had it for a second, but the vampire got it remember? I know he left it there and I think flogir or someone grabbed it." she was in thought trying to put the pieces together. She whistled and her horse came up carrying a bag. She reached in and found the book. She walked into the Three Sister's Lodge and had the book in hand. "Let's see if we can find this word," she said placing it on a table and opening it...
Eurod, Bruma
The tow was in panic as the figures came closer. Smoke rose as a village was burnt in their path. Eurod got on his armor and gathered the men. Around five thousand men were in the city up in arms. Another five thousand were around bruma country on various guard jobs and patrols. The army would be upon the city before the whole army could be called up.
"Galadile!" Eurod shouted as hundreds of farmers and villagers from outside bruma poured in. She was lost in the crowed as donkey's, mules, and oxen were driven into safety. Entire packs of dogs seemed to flood in, mostly family pets. Carts flooded all gates into the city.
Eurod stood upon the wall. "Anyone with a cart, you may not come in with it, take your belongings off and put them in a pile in the castle courtyard. All the carts will be used to provide support against the door. Other carts will be burnt in a ring around the gates so they cannot come near them." He shouted this and the farmers started to carry it out. Archers formed ranks upon the walls and the foot soldiers prepared to come from hiding when ladders were brought up. The three hundred knights of the city mounted their horses and waited in the courtyard for the order to come up. Eurod was their leader, though he would fight on the walls to give orders to the regulars
The Silhouette, Cheydinhal
Upon seeing the gate destroyed the guards gave a cry of dismay. The orcs and goblins rushed forward and with great pleasure attacked the guards who were pointing their spears at the gate in a phalanx. They attacked with vigour and bit and clawed. Men fell but held the gate, though they retreated from the walls and goblins took all the walls. Suddenly the great tiger bounded foward and the orcs made way. With a slash of it's claws four men fell and were knocked off into parts of town. The Silhouette fired magic at many of the soldiers and no one could stand in his way. He took out his sword and jumped from the tiger.
The men stopped, here he was right before them. He suddenly slashed downwards and a man fell, he spun and twirled in a dance of death and fury. They fell before him and he fired another powerful magic blast which destroyed a house that archers were on. They ran, ran away to the other side of town hoping to escape. Some ran to the castle and closed the gates, the majority ran to the otherside of the river and destroyed the bridges. The orcs swarmed in and slaughtered any guards in their way.
The Silhouette ordered them to not destroy the town, but looting was allowed. A large amount of guards ran to the castle which had been closed by the first retreating men, and were slaughtered outside at the gate. Others were shot by arrows or drowned as they tried to swim the river in their heavy armour.
Ian, getting a bad feeling.....
As the other began to talk about leaving, Ian felt a familiar chilling sensation. So that's the Silhoute..... He attached the name feeling to Karn's master, something is wrong...... the army is no longer sitting in the Valus Mountains.
He strode outside and stared at the sky. This conflict is escalating, if this being truelly can brain-wash a person or creature with an evil heart then he must have a huge army........ Ian thought over this new development. Now that he's begun his conquest, we must gather an army of our own to stave off, if not confront his.
Issac, talking with Ian
Noticing his father's actions hinted that he was in deep thought. "Satyana, I just need to talk to Ian for a second." Issac whispered and approached his father.
"What is it, Ian? What's wrong?" He asked the older agent. Ian turned to give Issac a odd look, but he shook his head. "I have a hunch that the 'Silhouete' is starting its march on Cyrodiil......" He paused and gave his son a hard gaze.
"I have to leave in the hopes of rallying our fellow agents to our cause, but you must remain with the group." He said the last part with a measure of authority, then he sighed. "I know what you're doing with Satyana, and I have no intention on telling you to stay away from her........"
Ian puased again and put a hand on Issac's shoulder. "Just be vigilant, if you truly wish to stay your course then so be it....... And look out for yourself-" He glanced at Satyana. "And for her."
Fervus Noctus, somewhere near Cyrodiil city.
Fervus stopped death in his tracks. Men, women and children poured out of the Imperial city. The Lich clutched his head and leaned heavily on the staff for support. That one feeling which he despised more than anything else washed over him. Evil.
Yet the feeling did not originate from the city before him. Rather, it came from further away, somewhere near Cheydinhall.
,,That much power, there is nothing I can do. Cheydinhall has fallen." He looked upon the Imperial city once more. The evacuation was going a bit chaotic but well enough. He then felt another wave of evil wash over him, this time coming from further to the north.
,,Bruma."
The man raised his staff, sending a single bolt of magicka to speed across the sky towards the horizon. Half a minute later, he vanished in a shower of sparks, moving towards his mark in the blink of an eye. He repeated the process three times till he finally arrived near the city at the very north of the province. Before his eyes, an army swarmed around the walls, arrows were fired, the screams of the dying filled the air.
,,What is coming to this world?"
(Before I throw Fervus into the battle, I'm going to wait till Florodine started it. Right now, Fervus is a bit into the future timewise.)
The Silhouette, Cheydinhal
The city was nigh lost and it was being looted an the inhabitants enslaved. It was completely packed with orcs and the castle would not hold, especially as the walls had been taken and archers continued to fire upon the soldiers in the castle courtyard. The gate of the castle was not so strong and a felled tree was slammed against it, again and again. Finally goblins brought a ladder onto the wall and from the city wall, mounted the castle wall. The swarmed in and opened the gate for the orcs. Soon the castle was lost and all three thousand inhabitants and five hundred soldiers were slain.
The easterners could not get across the river and archers would fire at them when they came close. The Silhouette walked over to the river, arrows flew towards him but he batted them away with his sword, as if they were gnats. He said a quick inaudible spell and suddenly the river started to freez over making a bridge. It continued until it was nearly frozen and the people on the other side already panicked. The orcs poured over and slaughter ensued as the great tiger leaped over the river and into the soldiers' midst.
All inhabitants who fled to the other side of the river were killed. All that remained in town was the inhabitants on the western side, the larger side that did not leave their homes and go to the other side. The ice melted instantly with a heating spell and the town was fully theirs. Though they would not stay for long...
Eurod, Bruma
Out by the gate a old looking figure stood. Luckily the army had not come that close to the wall and they opened the gate for the old man, or was he really a man?
"Come in, battle is nearly upon us," yelled Eurod in a concerned voice. The city was now quiet as all had either stayed home or gone to the chapel to pray to the nine.
Frevus Noctus, Bruma.
Fervus rushed through the gate as fast as his old bones could take him. He was gratefull for the hood that hid his features. People rarely appreciated the prescense of a Lich. Especially in times like these.
,,Thank you, son." He greeted the young man.
Fervus ascended the walls and looked out over the approaching army. The defenders would not be able to win the battle on their own.
,,Perhaps I can be of help? My specialty lies in the school of Restoration though I am quite proficient in the arts of Conjuration and Destruction as well."
Eurod, Bruma
"Whatever you can do to help would be great, we need it. Half our army is elsewhere in Bruma and will not make it here because we had no way to warn them," he stopped talking as suddenly the reavers gave a war cry. They ran forward and the battle commenced.
"Archers...FIRE!" he shouted. A volly of arrows poured down into the ranks of the reavers, knocking over many of them.
"Ladders!" shouted the reaver chief. Ladders were brought up, though many fell down because the ladder holders were shot. "Fire at will!" shouted Eurod. Now arrows poured in at steady rate and many reavers fell to them. A ladder reached the walls and beserkers climbed up and sliced three soldiers down. Eurod drew his sword and ran over. He slashed down and his attack was blocked; he suddenly whipped his sword horizontally and sliced off the head of the berserker. He ran over to where more were scaling the walls and spun his sword, decapitating two reavers at the same time. He swung the heavy sword back and hit another man in the torso. The battle was in full force...
Fervus Noctus, fighting.
Fervus gave a weary sigh.
,,Why can't we just talk it out?" He muttered as he cast his first spell. A Winged Twilight was summoned from Oblivion and awaited the Lich's command.
,,Attack those catapults! We can't allow the wall to fall." Fervus ordered as he took aim himself.
The catapults had been placed too far away for the archers to reach. Spells however, were not subject to gravity and as such had a practically infinite range. Fervus fired a few fireballs at the catapults in the distance before turning his attention towards closer threats.
Fire streamed from his hands, exploding among the ranks. Soon, the smell of charred flesh mixed with the smell of blood.
A sudden impact against his back made the Lich stagger. Fervus stopped his casting and turned around angrily, not hurt in the slightest.
,,Daedric bound cuirass, keeping it up might cost a bit but it is worth it. Don't try to interupt me. I am death serious!" He growled as he struck out with his staff. The slow attack was easily blocked by the reaver's axe. A small eruption of fire and lightning played around the two weapons. Then, Fervus drew his staff back and swung again while casting a fireball at the same time. Distracted by the staff, the reaver did not notice the fire till it was too late. Burning and screaming, he hurled himself off the wall.
More reavers poured onto the wall. A constant banging could be heard near the gate.
,,We are losing ground!" Fervus warned, still blasting every reaver that dared to walk in his sight.
Flogir
"Well we had to go to the Library in the Imperial City that contains the Elder Scrolls in order to find the proper book. I'm not too sure of what we'll actually find in the book though," Flogir replied to Arco. It was then that Dalrus walked in with the book and placed it on a table.
"It's about time! Let's take a look at this thing," Flogir said as he walked to the table.
Sodsa Hekal, Story time!
Sodsa pulled one of the once plush-covered chairs over to the worn table Dalrus placed the table on, "So, what are we lookin' up?"
Eurod, 2nd Battle of Bruma
"We must hold the walls!" he shouted to Fervus above the din of battle. He sliced this way and that, but a new reaver would take the place of the ones he just killed. The soldiers, however, did not have the advantage of innumerable soldiers and they were getting tired. Eurod looked around, it was all chaos, thousands of fights going on at once. They could not retreat to the castle, leaving the people to be slaughtered.
A boom was heard and the gate was suddenly smashed opened by a great iron ram on wheels. Reavers now poured into the city from the bottom. Eurod sprinted from the wall as the attack on the wall had all but ceased. The city was now the reaver's and they did not need to attack the walls. All the soldiers came down from the gatehouses and a battle took place at the gate. Neither side wanting to give, the reaver's numbers would avail. Eurod was covered in blood and everyone was stepping on corpses. Finally another gate fell and reavers poured in.
Eurod ran up to the castle and got on his horse. The five hundred knights present in the city would be the final fight and they were the best trained to do it...
Dalrus, Leyawiin
Dalrus looked through the long account of the rule of the akaviri emperors who ruled at once time. She looked for the word, what was that word? She could not remember but figured it would leap out at her. The account droned on about the accomplisments and victories of the Tsaeci leaders. Finally something jumped out at her. Möldairę, there it was...
"This was written by an imperial who was part of a small insurrection against the Tsaeci in west." she took a breath. " 'We do not have many men left. We took Anvil by surprise and secured the whole city. We gained many supporters and were hoping to gain enough to eventually return an imperial to the throne of Tamriel. We are not so confident now. Marcus, our best warrior suddenly dissappeared and a pile of ash type substance was found in his bed. We marched towards Kvatch but something happened. Dark warriors atop great akaviri cats met us. There were twenty of them and though we had thousands, we could not stand against them. All of us were slaughtered except me and some of the great great grandsons of the blades. We do not expect to survive for long and Anvil has been taken by the imperial army. We are hiding in a cave but we hear noises in another part, the akaviri elite guard are here I must go.' It ends there," she said looking at the whole group.
Flint Ironwood, the inn.
,,Bad guys on cats who can slay a whole army singlehandedly? Why don't I like the odds?" Flint commented sarcastically. His hand slipped close to the hilt of his sword again. He thought he'd heard something creak.
,,Must have been the wind."
Fervus Noctus, Bruma.
Fervus was too slow on foot and being surrounded. His robe now showed numerous cuts, with only a full set of bound armour standing between his bones and the weapons of the reavers. He could not keep this up forever.
,,I call forth your powers, oh mighty pillar of doom!" With those words, Fervus smashed the butt of his staff against the pavement. Instantly, he was engulfed in a rising pillar of roaring flames and crackling lightning. Those who were not turned to ash instantly were thrown up into the sky, falling to their doom a few seconds later. Still, the pillar rose up, consuming everything that had the misfortune of being too close. Then, it vanished.
Standing in the center of a black circle, Fervus stood leaning on his staff, answering the frightened stares of the Reavers around him with a glare of his own. Fearing another display of such power, the reavers all fled, looking for easier prey.
,,Good, if only they knew I can only do that twice."
Fervus hobbled across the streets towards the castle, creating an oasis of silence just by his mere presense as every Reaver fled out of sight upon noticing him.
(The battle isn't over, I just needed to keep Fervus from being swarmed.)
Jonathan Constantine
"Fun, so we figured out what we already knew." Jonathan stroked his unshaven chin, "I'm afraid dieing wasn't in this job description... And that moldai-- whatever, sounds like it can do a bit of killing."
Flogir, slightly perplexed
"So we're dealing with Akaviri? That's what I got out of it, at least. And yea, I doesn't look like our odds are good if we run into them either," Flogir said sighing as he leaned back in his chair.
"There isn't anything else about them in there, Dalrus?" he asked hopefully, despite his gut feeling that that was it.
Dalrus, Leyawiin
Dalrus looked through the book for anything on them. She shook her head slowly. "No...I'm afraid not" she said worriedly. The account was scary as it ended with the author hearing a noise. "Well we should probably get out of Leyawiin at least, " she said looking at the whole group.
Eurod, Bruma
Eurod and the knights prepared. "We must fight for the empire, and for the people, charge," shouted Eurod, keeping his speech, short, sweet and to the point. They thundered down the terrace towards the gate. Their horses neighed and the men yelled. They smashed into the ranks of the reavers, devestating them and slaying many. The foot soldiers turned and joined and soon it turned into a rout. Eurod swung his sword down upon the reavers below him and his horse ran over others. The reavers broke and ran out of the city. They were pursued and slain by the knights, though thousands made it into the mountains and back into Skyrim
Ian, Departing
He turned and gave the woman wearing his Agent's Robes an amused look. "I would like that back sometime." Looks like they'll be fine for now, I will do what I must.....
Ian turned and strode toward the eastern gate, toward Valus Mountains.
The Wandering Sage, the evacuation
The guild mages made excellant progress, and in half an hour they had moved most of the materiel out of the University. All that was left was the personel, the battlemages went first, to keep the evacuation point secure from threats.
As the last battlemage dissappeared the others began to follow them. Within minutes the only person left in the courtyard was her, perhaps we might have a chance after all...... And with that she too departed the Imperial City........
Issac, parting ways with Ian
He watched as Ian walked out of the tavern. So, he knows, and he understands. But I wish he could have remained for a while longer...... He glanced at the others as they studied "Moldiare." Hopefully this word can give us something useful to avenge the deaths of Chancellor Ocato and all the other people who will die in this conflict......
Wordlessly he returned to Satyana........
Fervus Noctus, Bruma.
Seeing as how the battle had ended, Fervus ducked into a clothier and grabbed himself a fresh new robe just like the one he used to wear. The bound armour vanished and he hid his face underneath his hood once more before walking outside towards Eurod.
,,Did I mention I met a couple of pirates yesterday? They had totally destroyed Leyawiin. I treated them to a fireball in their alcohol storage. Pirates in the south and reavers in the north, what is going on here?" He spoke up.
,,By the way, that was some impressive swordfighting back there." He added a moment later.
Eurod, Bruma
"Thanks, though that fire attack of yours was QUITE impressive as well" he said laughing with his fellow fighter. "Leyawiin...burned? What is going on? One city burnt and another attacked. I hope we were the only two that were attacked," he looked over at his new friend. "You're...you're not the same are you, I noticed in the battle and I have no problem with you, no matter what or who you are. You saved many soldiers and helped defend the city and for that you will be a hero here no matter what," he said walking over to him so not everyone could hear.
Fervus Noctus, Bruma.
,,Impressive, yes. However, it will take more than a day for my staff to recover. Great power comes at a great price after all." The lich said absently.
,,I'm not a hero. Trust me, I'm not. If I had paid attention to the signs before it was too late, then perhaps I could have done something worthy of the title hero. If only, how often have I said these words? If only. Salina will have to wait. For now, I plan on finding who or what is behind this." He continued, still in the same tone of voice. He wasn't talking to Eurod any longer, yet the man still heard his words.
,,What has the power to command everyone whose hart harbours the shadows of evil?"
He looked up, suddenly realizing that his new friend was still there.
,,Please don't listen to an old man's ramblings. Thank you for your kind words. If there is any way I can help, you have but to ask."
Ian, on his own.....
As the door to ruined Leyawiin shrank behind the glass-clad figure, the Valus mountains grew slightly in the distance, beyond Blackwood. Ian walked with his mind closed to the outer world, he recalled all of his early life, which was within the sacred walls of the dojo.
In the Valus Mountains, the same region the Silhouete stations his forces..... The place of my upbringing....... He felt an oddly reverant tone gather in his chest. It is as much as a home as the sensei and apprentices were family.
In his hollow state of mind Ian was near impossible to detection, his mind was empty and his body made left no signs..... Nothing would stop his journey to his place of childhood......
The Wandering Sage, The Great Forest
The wind blew through the trees of the forest..... and through the many mages who milled around the drop-off point. The sage sat cross-legged, meditating, and remianed silent for hours. Messagers had been sent to each city (exept for leyawiin and Bravil), but they had yet to return.......
The majority of nearby trees were filled with battlemages keeping watch on the area around the camp. The other residents were alchemists, scholars, and other guild mages of varying rank. All were working on tents or going about their many duties, waiting for word to come from the other guild halls........
The woman couldn't help but wonder if they were the only ones left to fight back........
Flint Ironwood, Leyawiin.
Flint had been in deep thought for a while. He now stepped forward, willing to present his plan.
,,Ok, guys. I think we need to get to the Imperial city. That's probably were all forces will meet. In the meantime, I want to go on a solo investigation in the east. Seeing as how I'm probably among the fastest travelers here, I should be able to get in and out fast and safely. Not to mention that I learned a few things about sneaking in my previous profession. Ask Rahvin when you run into him. He knows all about me." The Breton waited for a response.
,,So, no objections? I'll meet up in the Imperial city again."
Green-Root, wherever the Silhouette is now.
Green-Root had caught up with his shadowscales. Now they kneeled before the Silhouette.
,,The deed is done, Cyrodiil's navy is no more." Green-Root reported before retreating to the nearest campfire. When he was gone, one of the Shadowscales came closer.
,,Master, the emerald scale allowed a woman, a defenseless woman to escape. She had shown to be capable of opposing your plans, yet he still let her get away when we had our spears at her throat. Is it wise to trust someone like him?"
(And so, Green-Root's position with the Sil is brought into danger)
Issac
Hearing Flint's plan, Issac was inclined to agree with going to the Imperial City first. We might actually find someone or something to save this time......
But he felt he should tell Flint about Ian's mission to the east. "I think it would be a good idea to go back to the Imperial City, at least for now......" Issac a breath, what he was about to say could be considered secret knowledge.
"Ian already left for the Valus Mountains, it is for the best that no one follows him. The place he is searching for doesn't exist...." He added quietly. "....officially." "I only know it is there, not the exact nature of the place, or where it's located."
He felt somewhat cornered now, I could have just handed information to someone untrustworthy..... He trusted Satyana and Rann, perhaps Flogir, Johnathan, and Dalrus as well, but he knew little about Flint or the two Altmer. The one who we think wants to minipulate us.....
OOC: figured I waited on shogun long enough
oh, and where were Rahvin, Brianna, and Sadril last?
Rann
Rann heard Satyana refer to Isaac as 'my love', and raised an eyebrow. He was able to figure out what it was he had missed, but not how he had missed it.
She moves too fast for me to keep up.
He spoke to Altair one last time before ending the brief conversation. "Looks like I'm pulled away. Maybe we'll meet again."
Rann figured that if the mer was serious, he would have some sort of army to back him up, and some sort of fame. A person like that wouldn't be hard to find again. And if he wasn't serious, then Rann had lost nothing.
"You realize that now I have to torture the information out of you, right?" he asked Isaac light-heartedly.
Issac
Issac gave a sheepish grin. "Uh yeah, I guess you will now..... But that is all I know, aside from the fact that Ian grew up in that place." The last part was whispered so that the Altmer, Altair, wouldn't hear it, hopefully.
"All I can tell you is that it's a training ground, for what and why, well that might be for another time." he wondered if Rann knew about what was going on between his sister and him. I suppose he could have heard us.......
Issac wondered what Rann thought of him. I have faith in him, he is trustworthy; if not occasionally rash....... He's not exactly the person I'd normally want behind me........ He gave a brief glance at Satyana. But I guess he's family now, I believe I can depend on him......
"It's good to see you might not be a revolutionary fanatic after all." Issac whispered playfully. "I'm not a patriot, but all forms of government, no matter how picture-perfect, are capable of coruption. I've seen my fill of it, but there will always be more." He was partially relieved that Rann had stepped back from this revolutionary's plot. Thank Mephala for that; I suppose we're all here together now, blood or not.
Issac remembered why they were having this discussion in the first place. But Ian, my father, is gone for now; still I've worked without him before. He hoped Rann could be as good a ally as he hoped. It would be a good idea get to know Rann better......
Flint Ironwood, thinking.
,,So he's already gone there? We don't know if he'll come back, do we? Ok, let's go for the Imperial city then. If this Moldaire thingy is serious about taking over the Empire, it needs to conquer that place, even if it's just for symbolic reasons. I'm still going to the Valus mountains. I'm not looking for Ian, I'm looking for a big army of evil people. That should be easier to find than one man and a training place kept hidden for centuries. Don't worry about Ian's secret. He'll know how to keep it secret."
Flint walked to the door and looked outside.
,,If you need anything done, do it now. I want to be back on the road as soon as possible. In the meantime, I'm going to retrieve my horse."
Several minutes later, he returned with his black horse.
,,Could you take care of him? I wouldn't feel good about leaving him behind in a place like this."
Issac
"Good." He replied to Flint. "Yes, the Silhouete might as well take the Imperial City, threat or not."
"Even if the city has been evacuated there will be much for an army of bandits, berzerkers, and general brigands to plunder....." Issac shook a little as he said that. I love the Imperial City and the Empire, they've held the continent together for centuries..... I can't stand it all crashing down now.......
When Flint returned with his horse, he hesitated to accept it. I never needed a horse, but it would probably be for the best that we save our energy for when it's needed..... "Yes, I'll take care of him, Flint."
Flint Ironwood, leaving.
Flint nodded.
,,Thanks. Well, till next time." After this simple goodbye, he gathered his powers and cast the spell. Within moments, Flint was nothing more but a tiny shadow moving towards the horizon.
Flogir
Flogir was a little disappointed that Flint and Ian had to leave. Sure, they weren't the most optomistic of people, but their presence left a sense of safety. That, and he didn't like to see the group break apart. Deep down he knew that their reasoning for leaving were appropriate, and he accepted it.
He began to gather up his things and headed for the Inn door. "Well, I see no point in sticking around here now," he stated flatly then turned to Arco and his companion, "I take it you're joining us?"
OOC: ha! great, Brianna, Sad and Rahvin are moving towards .....somewhere I gather...maybe we should continue their conversation?
Satyana, beginning to almost like the situation
She liked that Rann and Issac were talking, it made it easier all the way. She had no intentions of giving up Issac and she still was very concerned about >Rann...of course! In her mind she prepared to be able to use all magic she knew of...if necessary. She hated voilence and death as much as Serene did, but wouldnīt hesitate to use it if her beloved ones were in danger....
As usual she stuck with them without interfering.....as the nice well brought up girl she was....
I want you to know Iīm here watching over both of you
Ian, hiking
The fallen tree was covered with mushrooms and other plants, but Ian ignored the possible poisons. He hauled himself over the obstacle, and found himself not twenty meters from the base of the Valus Mountains.
He let out a breath. Almost there, it's getting harder to do this when you get older... Ian began trudging through the snow. ......really wish that I had my cloak; glass might save your life, but it does nothing to stop the cold....... and I would want to cover the BLACK armor under a GREY cloak in WHITE snow.
Issac, with Rann and Satyana
As Flint dissappeared, Issac took the horse's reins and patted it on the neck. Though he apprieciated the fact that he didn't have to run, he didn't like to ride as much as he enjoyed running. I can run as fast as this beast, and I can outlive it too. But its role will be short anyway, only a few days of this before Flint or Ian get back......
"So Rann," he began. "How did you grow up?" Issac wanted Satyana to join the conversation. We could all get to know each other.....
Satyana, listening
She waited for Rannīs answer, she was as curious as Issac of her brotherīs former life....if Issac wanted sheīd tell about her background as well....in more detail..
Issac, supecting
Noticing that the two newcomers were joining the group, Issac shrugged. So now we have two replacements for the two that just left...... that was fast, He mused.
Is that woman trying to change her accent? Because that didn't sound the Cyrodilic that she was speaking earlier, and that hardly sounded like any tongue I've ever heard....... The prospect amused him, but it made him a little suspicous. Why would someone try and talk differently, because they have something to hide.....
It made sense, normally Issac would let a stranger keep their silence, but these werent normal circumstances. First she has Satyana's eyes, second she tries, if not badly, to talk in an accent that I've never heard in all of Tamriel........
Issac put the pieces together until he had a good idea what was going on. There must be something between this woman and 'Tyana, maybe Rann too because he's her sister. So, I intend to find out what this is about....... but not now, later.
Adriana aka Serene
She grimaced, apparently sheīd made Issac suspicious.....Damn it I never was good at High Rock accent
So she decided to reveal herself to him...before he said something to Satyana
"Hey, Mister" she said to Issac, "Yes you!, could I have a word in private with you please?"
Issac
The woman called him over, and though it was unexpected, Issac nodded. He strode over to her, I might as well press the charges....
"You have the same eyes as Satyana and you tried to change your accent, that only helped raise my suspicions." He had a guess on who this woman was, she's obviously related...... and older; add to this that Satyana said her grandmother raised her........ what was her name?
Then the name came to him, and Issac decided to push forward. "Is your name Serene?" He furrowed his brows and waited patiently for an answer.
Issac, a little conspiracy can be refreshing
He nodded slightly. I thought so...... well, isn't this a fine quagmire that this situation turned into. "Thanks," he muttered. "I have no intention of being unkind to 'Tyana." An amused look played across his face as he quoted Satyana's very words. "Quite the contrary."
"I know that you raised Satyana, but how did you know Rann?" Issac asked, then shook his head. "Nevermind, as you know already we're planning on returning to the Imperial City......." He took a breath. "What you might not know is that Chancellor Ocato, head of the Elder Council, is dead, and the Empire might follow suit. Because there is an army in the East, lead by a being called 'The Silhouete,' we think it was this army that destroyed Leyawiin......"
Serene/Adriana
"Ok I see you are quite fond of my īTyana" she smiled, and yes, I raised her, her mom....ehh wasnīt able to, and about Rann? Well he and Tyana are twins....and I well donīt know him personally, but as far as I can see the young man is a living image of his father.....and that man I know very well! I, personally gave Rann to his father, I thought it best that way and it seems to have turned out quite well!"
"But you bring bad news Issac....if chancellor Ocato is murdered....then bad times are heading this way....and the Silhouette...well that surely is very bad news! I....I think I might stick around.....might be able to make myself useful...if you guys donīt blow my cover! "
She put the hood of her cloak forward so her eyes wouldnīt be visible....
Issac
"Yes, we both are fond of each other....." He replied. "And don't worry, I'm the son of an agent. If I can't keep a secret, then I'm not good at what I do."
As Serene -Adriana- pulled down her hood, Issac grinned. "My father will throw a fit if you don't treat that properly...... It's a great tool as well." What most people think about clothes is that they're just that, clothing. He thought to himself. They never imagine that an unassuming pair of robes might be as invaluable as it truly is......
Rann
"What's with her?" he asked Isaac as he lit the hackle-lo that he had recieved earlier as if the topic of conversation weren't standing right there. "She's trying a little too hard to be discreet, don't you think? Why would we simply let someone who's so obviously hiding something just come along?"
Issac, explaining
"You're right, Rann." He thought fast. "She doesn't know the first thing about subtety." How is it that I'm too observant for my own good? He lowered his voice considerably, to keep up the chirade.
"That means we can always tell whether she's lying or not, so we keep her. She probably couldn't get an orc to clean his teeth, let alone lie to one of us." Issac really wished he hadn't payed attention to Serene in the first place. And now I have to come up with a good enough excuse to her grandson as to why we're letting her tag along......... I told her I could keep a secret, but now I don't have much lead-time to make a justification.
"I would perfer a honest fool instead of a minipulative witch in an old woman, the only snag is that we need to keep her in sight at all times........" He was hating this misinformation game more and more by the second. "Besides, she's already seen us, not mention caught most of our names and where we're going, so we can't afford for someone to sweat that information out of her now."
He doubted Satyana would hear his plea but he did so anyway. Come on 'Tyana, back me up on this one. I promised this woman to keep her secret; I don't want to lie to you or Rann, but I just need to right now!
Jonathan Constantine
Cramped up upon the windowsill Jonathan was, asleep and full of.. Liberated whiskey. It wasn't until he heard the slamming of the inn door did he realize that he was alone, in a dead town (literally). He gathered his sword and quickly dashed out the door with a slight shiver.
Rann and Isaac were talking as they were walking along the road and Jonathan managed to run right between them, before tripping and face planting in the road.
"Thannnks for the wwarrning of the leeave friendss..."
Issac, secretly grateful for the distraction
Nearly unsheathing his katana when Johnathan landed in a heap between him and Rann, Issac couldn't hide his surprise. "Uh, sorry John, we forgot." He replied lamely.
Issac hueled the man up onto his feet, but found that Johnathan could hardly stand up on his own. Holding him firmly, he inspected the man curiosly. "Honestly, how can you stand those cursed beverages." His well-developed cyrodilic accent was apparent as he asked his friend.
Privately he was relieved at the prospect that Rann would drop his suspicions. Yeah, he'll stop being suspicious when Ocato dies........ Oh, wait he is. The reminder of the Chancellor's death caused him to frown slightly. He's dead, so get used to it already. In his self-beration, Issac accidentally let go of Johnathan.
Serene/Adriana
It was painful to hear Rannīs words, but clearly understandable, she sighed and decided to pull a trick on Rann, if he was the son of Brianna, he surely could read her mind.....the trouble was Satyans could as well and she didnīt want her to realise the truth...just yet! Satyana was too emotional and therefore more vulnerable.
Serene focussed:
Rann!!! I know youīll get this mesage, just donīt show it in your face , ok? Iīm Serene, but I do NOT want it to be known! So keep the charade up, treat me with suspicion.....and above all, do NOT tell Satyana! I cannot protect her if you do! She wouldnīt let me, itīs that simple! Scratch your left ear if you got this!!
Now she could only wait and hope Rann got the message...
Satyana
"Ok Issac, Iīm with you" Satyana smiled "Letīs let her go with us, we just canīt leave her alone! She might get attacked or hurt, I canīt have that on my conscience anyway!
She jumped and laughed out loud as Jonathan suddenly appeared
"Jonathan!!!! Silly boy, you scared me" Then she hugged him.....
Flogir
Flogir walked with the rest of the group, deciding to lead his horse by the reins instead of riding him for now. It almost seemed that this whole journey to Leyawiin was pointless, sure they ran into a couple of people who now have joined the party, but they were basically strangers to him. At least Arco looked like a capable warrior and Flogir thought he sensed a powerful presence in his female companion, but her shyness was a bit offsetting. Still, eventually they both will hopefully open up.
"This is going to be another boring three days, isn't it?" Flogir said aloud to no one in particular. He then noticed the arrival of Jonathan.
"You wouldn't happen to have brought along a couple of those bottles would ya? I wouldn't mind wetting my whistle."
Voltar
Voltar calmly watched the party vacate the Inn, their obvious decision to travel back to the Imperial City was made. He turned to Veric once all the party members were gone, even the drunken one that was left behind for a little while.
"So, where are we off to now? Are we going to do some inflitration on this "Silhouette's" encampment?"
Flint Ironwood, Entering Valus Mountains.
Flint was beginning to have second thoughts about his decision. Sure, he seemed confident enough when he left but it was a fact that he hadn't done any serious sneaking in twenty years. His skills were rusty and he'd gotten older. Still, he pressed on, knowing that any information he could get would go towards increasing their chances at victory and survival.
The mountains grew steadily, the atmosphere seemed to change. Flint's darker side reacted to the presense of evil. The Silhouette was there, or he had been there till recently.
The Breton timed his jumps more carefully, using the sun and the clouds to hide his approach. Once he was in and had an invisibility spell running, he would be quite safe. Till then, archers were his greatest foe. Once he had reached the outskirts of the Valus mountains, he hid in the treetops. He was beginning to run low on Magicka. To keep an escape route open, he would have to continue on foot.
Issac
As Johnathan left, Issac crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head slightly amused at John's drunk stupor. He was thankful that Satyana had heard him, but it left him to wonder how. Issac shrugged, it can wait 'til later.....
It seemed like the situation was in good order, but it was clear that by some unknown means of communication that Serene had told Rann something. And he gave her a mischievious grin, Oh no, she didn't just tell him everything!
Can't he just keep quiet on these things!? Issac thought quickly on something -anything- to do to keep his oath to Serene. "Oh, come on, Rann, you just met the woman, and now you think you know her life's story? Besides she looks like she could have been living in Morowind for most of her life...." I pray this woman never gives me anymore favors, I hate family matters, they're so mixed up......
Ian, Valus Mountains
The peaks featured some flattened ground toward the top, so they made the journey a little easier. Still Ian was anxious to get to his fellow agents. Of course, He thought glumly. They'll want to know why I'm here and if what I say is true.....
Finally he came to a wall with runes scratched onto its surface..... Ian jumped down and landed on a spike jutting out from the wall.... He began to leap and swing from spike to freezing spike, slowly lowering himself down to his destination.
The bottom was a small pond that was frozen year-round never thawing; the entrance was a cave leading down into the depths of the mountain....... Ian took a deep breath, and strode into the depths of the cave, casting a night-eye so he could see. As expected there were figures along the cave walls that watched him pass and followed him to the dojo.
The agent came to a reinforced wooden door and slowly pushed it open..........
Karn, watching the group..... ![]()
The group was just getting started on the road, and Karn took in the different sighs: one of the men was horribly drunk, Issac, the girl, that dunmer boy, and an old Imperial woman were in some form of discussion.
The killer took everything in and memorized it all, but he realized some changes from the last time. The breton was gone, and worse Ian was gone as well! Where are you? But he really was gone; Karn calmed down and resumed his spying.
It would be best to attack when they stop to sleep...... They would take at least three days to get to their destination, and plenty of time for Karn to stalk them.... He, along with five bandits, moved through the trees to keep their prey in sight, but remain hidden.
Flint Ironwood, Valus mountains (though in a different part then Ian.)
Flint stopped his movement. He thought he heard something. The Breton sniffed the air which revealed burnt wood, lots of burnt wood.
,,Campfires?"
Carefully, he crept closer till he could finally see what was there. As he did so, a twig snapped. Instantly, the roaring of a Troll broke the silence. Flint got up from his hiding place, already knowing he'd been discovered.
,,Now this would be a good time to say oops." He mumbled and released the powers of the Storm. While potent, the great mass of the Troll refused to be moved by the blasts of Telekinetic energy.
,,Ok, time for plan b."
Flint retreated back into the woods, taking advantage of the trees that slowed down his foe. He hid behind a tree and waited, both katanas ready to unleash their fury. When the Troll lumbered past, he jumped on its back and carved through the thick skin wherever it would hurt the most. Bleeding from multiple wounds, the disorientated Troll hurled itself of a cliff. Flint had leaped up into a tree and looked down on the broken corpse.
,,Didn't Trolls regenerate or something? I'd better hurry."
The Breton made a quick survey of the site. The remains of campfires littered the area. In a cave, he found a map with numbers next to several cities. He couldn't be sure, but he believed that the numbers referred to the order of attack. If the map was right, Leyawiin, Bravil, Bruma and Cheydinhall had been attacked. After that though, the numbers ceased. The whole place looked like it had been abandoned in a hurry. The roar of the Troll echoed through the mountains once more. Or maybe it was a different Troll. Whatever was the case, Flint had to leave.
,,All in all, this whole thing was pretty much worthless. I know what they did, but not what they're going to do next. Oh well, time to race for the Imperial city."
The Breton snatched a Magicka regenerating potion that had conveniently been left behind. Moments later, he breached the lowest clouds, watched by a very confused Troll.
Ian, the Dojo
The door opened to a narrow walkway, snow swirled all around, and the waterworks below were covered in a thick layer of ice. On the many patforms around him, Ian saw apprentices sparring, talking, and hawk-eyed sensei watching over the grounds.
Most of them stopped to watch Ian pass, I should have brought my robes..... The appretices shied away from him, while the sensei had varying results. Some would remain inert, simply evaluating him, others either made way or forced him to go around.
All reactions made Ian feel alienated, which he was, some of the sensei knew him, and all the apprentices knew that only an agent who graduated here could find this place, but he was still a thing to be wary about. To them he was something from the world beyond the hallowed walls of the acadamy.
The interior hallways of the dojo were made in a similar style to Cload Ruler Temple, with sliding fabric doors, and many exotic weapons displayed on the walls. Katanas, dai-katanas, wakisashis, shurikan, wires, wirst-claws, and other tools of death. Suits of glass armor, similar to the ones Ian was wearing, occasionally stood like sentinals.......
I haven't been here in twenty-five years since I left here, and already it's all but forgotten me.......
Issac
Well, that is that, Satyana knows, and I have no idea how this will turn out. He wordlessly turned and mounted his horse, but didn't pull ahead. Issac simply took in the feeling of defeat. Maybe I can't trust Rann with as many secrets as I thought....
He waited for Satyana to react. How would I react if my grandmother, the person who took on the role of my mother, came along in the middle of a crisis and didn't trust me enough to tell me who she was? Issac glanced at Serene, but averted his eyes. I'm sorry Serene, I did my best.....
Rann
He knew that Serene, and maybe Isaac thought that he had revealed Serene out of boredom or rebellion (which would normally be the case) but this time it wasn't, even though he acted as if it were. In reality he thought he was doing his disfunctional family a favor by revealing the mistake before it got bigger.
He could only imagine how betrayed Satyana would feel both because of Serene's deception and him keeping secrets from her if he had allowed her to remain anonymous for much longer. Satyana mattered more to him than some strange old woman that happened to be his grandmother.
Issac
The change he saw in Satyana was somewhat frightening. Issac felt slightly angered that Satyana said he had nothing to do with what was going on. I became a part of all this when I came to the Imperial City, and I intend to see this all to the end!
Issac looked at the ground, and muttered quietly. "I'm not half as innocent as you think I am, I've done plenty of things you haven't......." He looked her directly in the eyes. "I was orphaned in the Oblivion Crisis, I was brought up as a spy and infiltrater, I've killed plenty of people, and I've seen plenty of distastful things in my life." His voice was resolute, and Issac felt that he was talking down to Satyana at that moment. "I'm about as innocent as Rann, and he's an assassin!" I wish Ian was here.......
Rann
Get the hell back here and talk with your granddaughter. he thought when he noted that Serene had made herself scarce. What the hell were you thinking, anyway? Hiding your identity wouldn't protect her from anything.
"What's her deal?" he asked aloud, not really paying attention to Isaac and Satyana's side conversation.
Issac, still a little angry
He returned the kiss, but was still frustrated. "I've made plenty of enemies, and so has Ian. We lie and decieve for a living." Issac looked at the sky. "I've nearly been killed many times before, this conflict is just another struggle that will be in the history of Tamriel."
Returning his gaze to her, he sighed. "Karn is enough of a problem, and now you-" He emphasized the word. "- are a more prime target for him now that you're closer to me." Issac hoped she understood that danger wasn't anything new to him, but came with his job.
"People die everyday, regardless of how or why. Life is precous, but more fleeting then people know." He whispered. "But I can understand Serene's methods, they are similar to ones I would imploy, so I agreed to keep her identity from you."
Karn, still watching.....
This is an interesting development..... Karn had witnessed the entire event, where the Dunmer -Rann- had given away the old woman's identity...... Mmm.... Serene, rings a bell somewhere...... The girl -Satyana- was currently talking to Issac. A weak link perhaps!
He slowed down to keep these people in view, Karn felt they would be the best targets.......
Issac, calm and collected again....
"Good, that we're agreed." He said, genuinely content. "I'm good with my katana." Issac lightly patted their hilts. "I know some powerful spells, Deadra's Fury was what I used in the Bloated Float."
"We trust each other, and will hold together, that's all we can do for now....." He pointed out. "Ian might be awhile, the dojo is well-hidden and the sensei tend to evaluate the situation before moving to action....."
Flogir
Flogir was quite surprised to find out that a legend was apart of their party temporarily. Though it seemed that as soon as she was revealed, she disappeared. It seemed she really wanted her identity a secret.
Odd.... Ohwell if that's her wish, that her wish. Though having a legend like her would've been very good for the group. I guess that's why I felt a presense of power about her, Flogir idlelly thought. To further add to his shock, he found out that Satyana was actually related to her! And that she fancied Issac as he witnessed them kissing each other.
"Get a room!" Flogir said jokingly as he rode among them.
Jonathan Constantine
"Hah.. Serene.. That's really funny." Jonathan sat up upon his horse, the drunkenness ebbing away, but the hangover starting to gain a foothold.
"Well this quest seems to becoming more epic as it passes" He paused to rubbed his head and chuckled, "Next thing you'll know we'll have Tiber Septim himself coming down from the heavens!"
Flogir
Flogir nodded to Serene's words. "That's good to know, and I'll make sure to do my part too," he said softly, hoping Serene would catch that. Once more he went back to his usual light hearted self and turned to Jonathan.
"That would certainly solve many of our problems, Jonny. Though I feel we'll see Mehrunes Dagon again before ole Tiber comes and pays us a visit!"
Issac
When he heard Flogirs joke, Issac couldn't help but grin. "Well, so much for being discreet, my love." He was in a good mood now, I think we can actually work everything out, if we have the time to do so...... Issac was still puzzled how Satyana had heard his thoughts, though it was a blessing.
"So, Satyana how did you hear my thoughts? I'm not angry about it, I just want to know." He asked her. "It could be useful in the future....."
Karn, threatening
After continuing to think over the woman's name, he recognized it. Serene of Cyrodiil, the famed healer and mage..... her reputation proceeds her..... I wonder why she has joined this group of agitators out of the countless......
Karn had an idea, and the prospect was a tantalizing oppertunity. He decided to make himself known, to her alone. "Serene of Cyrodiil, I was confused at first as to why such a prominent individuel would join the company of such a motley band of adventurers...... I have concluded that someone, or should I say more then one, are dear or important to you..." The ninja's mental voice was full of malicous intent.
"And you were correct, your presence is a new factor in my mission. For I am a follower of the Silhouete, and these people have been targetted by my lord for erradication........ Your arrival only made me believe that this group is all the more a threat to my master's cause." Karn informed Serene.
"In joining this group you have made yourself a target, and it would have been wise for you to have remained in Morrowind. OH, and if you wish to know who I am, ask Issac about Karn....... With that he became silent and receded from her awareness.
Ian, the Dojo
Making his way through the interior of the main building, which was a castle. Ian couldn't help but enjoy the numerous ponds and gardens within the central areas. The indoor gardens gave way to more corridors and display cases. These however were adorned with ancient artifacts some dated back alomst to the ages of myth.
There were akaviri artifacts, Aylied Varla and Welkyde stones, and replicas of Deadric artifacts. Wordlessly, Ian continued onward to the chambers of the leading sensei, who were retired from outside work and never left the dojo.
As he rounded a corner he came face to face with one of them, Rahk-Vir. The Khajiit agent took in his presence, and absently licked his teeth, particularly his abnormally large canines. Ian wasn't surprised, he knew that the sensei was a vampire.
"Well, Ian it's been awhile, how have has our 'sole survivor' fared?" Rahk-Vir was not attempting to hide the condesension in the comment. Shortly before his graduation, Ian had been a part of an ill-fated field exercise...... and had been one of the few survivors, but he had survived because of a fluke, while the others had fought their way out....... None of his friends had lived through the fighting.
Despite himself, his eyes narrowed and his respounce was cold. "I've done fine, and I'm here on business." The Khajiit cocked his head and gave a throaty chuckle. "Of course you are, and I'm a part of any business around here; I've been replacing the late Harroth."
Ian's eyes narrowed more dramatically now. "I see, then you shall help make the dicision."
Issac
It was plain to see that pushing the matter further would be pointless, so Issac didn't say anything. He is being a little over the top with this..... He gave a helpless look at Satyana, but didn't speak.
Trying to change Rann's mind on something is an uphill battle... Issac thought to himself. He didn't agree with Rann on most of Serene's actions. She was doing what she thought was right....... just like I think falling in love with Satyana was the right thing.
Issac hadn't liked to lie to Rann or 'Tyana, but he felt like he was in a sinking boat anyway........
Jonathan Constantine
Jonathan chuckled softly to himself as he heard Rann and Isaac talk.
"Rann, Rann, it's ok. Have faith that those you care about are strong enough to support themselves.." They rode along in relative silence for several feet. "Hey, that was very deep I think.. Heh, me, deep? Haha"
Eurod, Bruma
Eurod looked at all the damage. Thousands of dead reavers, thousands of dead Brumians, this had been a huge scale battle. He looked up at his friend. "You, my friend, must rest first, we all must rest." he looked at his men returning from their chase. "It would be very useful, however, if you would come with me to the Imperial City. We must report this attack and prepare for a counter attack, likely the Empire will be able to send us a large contigent of troops, no action has happened in Cyrodiil for a very long time." he smiled to his friend. "But i think for now, food is our most important project to find."
Dalrus, Imperial City Road
Dalrus had been picking flowers as she walked along, leading her horse. She soon lost the rest of the group as she had wandered into a field looking for a flower. She was not expert in alchemy but she enjoyed it, and especially the peace she got from searching for flowers.
"Thanks for waiting guys," she said sarcastically to herself. Rann did not notice her anymore, she wished they were still close friends but lately, he was different. Satyana was her best friend, however, she too was preoccupied with someone. Jonathan had already proven that he did not like her and Flogir, well Dalrus really liked Flogir, as a friend. He was always kind to her and she enjoyed having intelligent conversations with him.
She rode on faster, and came upon the group ten minutes later. "Hello everyone, sorry I kind of wandered" she smiled.
The Silhouette, Cheydinhal
The Silhouette was approached by shadowscales and he looked at them with anger. "As long as the ships were destroyed then Green-Root did what I told him to. Leave me now!" he said with a horrible icy voice. Suddenly the shadow scale who had spoken for the group stopped, his feet muscles suddenly stopped and he fell over. "You on the other had have angered me!" suddenly the shadow scale became pale, all the pigment draining from his scales. The Silhouette's eyes glowed extra and the argonian's body disintegrated
Rann
Rann ignored Jonathan's ramblings and focused on the road ahead, letting himself cool down. He still thought that he was right and that Serene was utterly wrong, but he had at least calmed his temper and was soon riding along contentedly. (is that a word?)
"I didn't even not-" he started to say when Dalrus approached, but stopped. It would have probably been a mistake to say that he hadn't noticed that she was gone, especially since he'd been somewhat ignoring her of late. "I mean, um, uh, yeah." he stammered, trying to think of something to say that would cleverly cover up his slip. On not finding anything, he just gave up and shut up.
Issac, amused
After so much silence, when Rann suddenly got tongue-tied as Dalrus showed up, Issac grinned in amusement. But he made sure Rann didn't see it, though Satyana was a different story. In truth, Issac had only vaguely been aware of Dalrus' absence, but he hadn't said anything at all.......
Better to remain silent, then say something halfway. He repeated the saying in his head. Issac studied the darkening sky. "We should probably find someplace to camp before it gets too dark....."
Fervus, Bruma.
Fervus nodded from behind his hood.
,,I'd be most pleased with a closed room. No windows. There are some matters concerning....personal health I need to take care of. And Í'll come with you to Cyrodiil. Perhaps a wagon can be arranged? I hate to admit it, but I'm rather slow on foot."
Once he had locked the door to the room he'd been given, the Lich removed his robe and started the painstaking task of maintaining his skeletal frame. One of the disadvantages of undeath was lack of natural healing. Through common use, his bones would develop tiny cracks that needed to be fixed before they grew too big.
Ian, dojo
The meeting lasted for two hours as Ian presented the recent developments (most of which the sensei already knew through their contacts), and the sensei debating on the matter. But the Imperial waited patiently throughout the entire process.
Finally he was asked to leave the chambers as they made their final decisions. Ian bowed and silently exited through the sliding door. So....... either they approve sending the oldest apprentices and most of teh senei, or they turn me down outright.......
He stood on the battlements, watching the apprentices spar and train their various skills. The most advanced were training with actual weapons, the mid-level were locked in melee combat with their peers, and the newest trainees were sitting on mats watching the older students, studying their styles.
Suddenly there was a whistling sound and Ian reacted instinctively. He jumped back and grabbed the throwing knife that had been aimed at him. Ian turned toward the thrower, Rahk-Vir, who chuckled. "Not bad for a non-vampire who relies on luck."
In responce, Ian threw the knife right back, but as expected it didn't hit its target. Rahk-Vir simply caught it out of the air, and put it back into his pouch. "I've already put in my vote on this matter, now we must wait for the rest to decide."
Ian didn't need to ask what the Khajiit wanted. He wordlessly strode to the nearest unoccupied platform, and waited for the vampire to arrive. When they were both in their fighting positions, a small group of apprentices had formed a circle aroung the arena.
"Let's see how you've really fared in the outside world." Rahk-Vir growled. The Imperial didn't reply, but instead leapt for ward and summoned his bound daggers. Landing infront of the Khajiit, he thrust one dagger at his chest and slashed at Rahk-Vir's throat with the other.
His opponent bared his teeth, and swatted aside the dagger aimed at his chest. Then he jumped high into the air, but that meant the second dagger sliced through his legs. Rahk-Vir flipped and landed in a crouch on the other side of the mat.
"Not bad, but you can't beat me." The khajiit jumped forward faster then Ian could move and slashed at him with his claws. The claws cut through the areas between the glass plating and left a ragged hole below the breastplate. He staggered back and glanced down at his wound.
It was bleeding steadily, but the wound wasn't particularly life-threatening. Still in sparring rules, an attack like that was considered lethal. So I lost, at least I did so without dishonoring myself.... Rahk-Vir licked Ian's blood off his claws. "Good fight, you've improved since you left." Then he glanced at the Imperial's chest. "You'd best get to a healer quickly, and there might be a possibility that you'll contract Vampirism....."
With that he turned and left, the students seemed amazed by the spectacle, Rahk-Vir had moved faster then they could see, but the outsider had deflected some of the attack. That was impressive, and they knew he had comne to rally them to a cause of defending Cyrodiil.
Ian watched Rahk-Vir leave, and looked back down at his wound. No, I think I'll just heal it, because I just found a tool to kill Karn with........
OOC: Ok now Serene is really sour......at Rann...but of course she loves him deeply despite their disagreement
Serene, annoyed at Rann not to speak about Karn!
Rann!!! Damn you, grow up!!! For your fatherīs sake if nothinbg else, stop acting like a child, you put your sister in danger donīt you see? Evil is nearer than you think, but youīre just concerned about me wanting to be a bit hidden! You fool!!! Issac is acting far more mature.....thank heavens that Tyana have him around...and Jonathan!
She then took in Karnīs message and froze.....so thatīs it ...well if he wanted war heīd get it. She cast a chameleon spell on herself and then appeared as an old beggar.....she covered her eyes with a blindfold, not to reveal herself.
Ok Karn....so you discovered me.....rest assure youīll have to deal with me if you do anything that annoys me
She sneaked back into the group....just walking among them again as if nothing had happened.....but being extremely watchful...
Satyana
She felt so bad about Rannīs and Sereneīs disagreement, why did he have to be so rude and angry? Well of course sh could take good care of herself but it still felt quite ok to have Serene lurking in the back! Ah yes...he felt bad about Serene wanting to hide from her and wanting him to take part in it..ohhhh myy...he really was protective towards her....poor Rann....
She quickly ran to him and hugged him hard....
"Rann......please, hug me, love me, be a sweetie!"
Brianna
It felt good to be on the road again....despite the mission. She really did not want to find that evil offspring of hers, but if Rahvin and Sadril found it ok ...then she had to follow.
What she really wanted was to meet her other two children!
"Rahvin....tell me about our son!"
Karn, near the group
He watched as Serene moved deeper into the group, and felt utterly satisfied when she replied to his threats. Oh, I never thought otherwise, I intend to illiminate everyone here. He shot back.
He turned to his bandits. "Regroup with the others, We'll attack in full force later on." They all nodded and shrank back into the foliage. Karn returned his attention to the group, and he continued to study them as they went along.
Jonathan
Jonathan was a bit perturbed that Rann ignored him so, but it was useless to be angry with someone so head strong. He noticed Dalrus return to the party.
"Why hello Dalrus.." He stopped a smiled when he noticed a few flower heads sticking out of her pack, "Into alchemy eh? I actually know a fair bit about it.. Went through a.. err.. Nature stage, I guess.."
Issac
Things are almost a constant blur now..... Issac thought as Satyana hugged Rann, and Johnathan tried to start a conversation with Dalrus. Though the former was more desirable of attention, he decided to give Satyana the benefit of the doubt on her actions. Just as she did with me.....
So he stayed uninvolved with the above mentioned events. And he found himself riding beside Serene, dressed as a begger. Maybe Rann has a point and this woman is slightly paranoid...... No, Issac had a feeling that something was going to snap soon.
"So whatever happened to my father's robes?" He asked Serene.
Ian, dicision made....
In his private quarters, Ian looked at himself. His bare chest had many scars from past battles, and now he had five new ones to add to his collection of personal injuries. So, I'm going to turn myself into the same things I've killed before, just so I can kill one mer......
He realized that looking at it in that way made it sound like insanity. I won't be a monster if I don't allow myself. The Imperial reasoned, I've known plenty of vampires: Hessildor (sp.), Vicente, Seridur.....
Out of those few he'd known only one had been particularly noble. Count Hessildor protected Skingrad because it was his city, but he was true to his subjects. Vicente Valtiere had been a murderer, a Dark Brotherhood assassin, but he controlled his bloodlust for his 'family's sake. Seridur had been a tyrant through and through, posing as a vampire-hunter when in fact he was one. He'd made a positive public image of himself, but had minipulated the people of the Imperial City....... Seridur had even killed Roland's wife and framed Roland, nearly ruining his life.
Out of the three Ian would strive to be like Hessildor, an up-right noble person, who juggled vampirism's affictions and his past life. But this will take some getting used to..... He thought, feeling a muffled urge as the disease continued to take effect. A lot of getting used to.....
Dalrus, Walking with the group
"Really?" She was quite surprised. "You never seemed like the type that would be...well into magic of any sorts. I am really just a journeywoman in alchemy, but i find it very...serene," she said looking through the different flowers. She took off her long sleeved blouse and pushed the hair out of her eyes. The firey emerald green of her eyes seemed to be extra bright in the sun. Her shirt was slightly revealing, though it was too hot to wear her normal attire. "It is really hot here" she said gesturing towards the noon sun which beat down upon them.
The Wandering Sage, the Great Forest
While the other mages ate, talked, and worked at their tasks, the Altmer sage sat silently on a tree stump. A few days ago she'd felt the evil presense in the east. Cheydinhal was attacked..... After feeling the threat she had spent as much time as she could studying whatever was causing these events.
I hope you two are all right..... She thought to herself, remembering her two close friends.
Satyana
She continued to stay pretty close to Issac.....for the best she thought. Rann would probably be in a better mood later. It was hot, the sun was in zenit, she wanted to take off some of her clothes, like Dalrus...but she wasnīt sure she had enough courage to do it with all those men around! Dalrus never cared if she showed too much of herself but Satyana was more shy...now if it had been just Issac and herself! Then sheīd gladly taken off all her clothes! She blushed when thinking of it.....
Rann would probably be angry with me if I start undressing!
She took off her cloak anyway and put it in front of her on the horse. Her white shirt was thin...too thin really, she felt a bit embarrassed it stuck really tight to her body, not leaving too much of imagination left....
Oh heck..let them look then, Iīm not ashamed....of my body
Anyway she moved even closer towards Issac...just for safety...
Serene
"Your fatherīs robe is...what Iīm wearing....even if you maybe donīt recognise it" Serene muttered "But please stay away from me I...I foresee an encounter very soon and I donīt want any innocent ones to be in the way...It will be.....nasty" The last words she merely hissed, and then turned her horse away from Issac
Dalrus, Road
Dalrus laughed when Jonathan said this, it was the first time she laughed in a long time. "Well I suppose that is the best way to do it," she said smiling. A small stream went across the road and they came to a bridge. She opened up a bottle she had and filled it with new fresh water. She then jumped into the stream. "This is sooo nice, I wouldn't have made it without this," she laughed.
Flogir
Flogir wiped the sweat from his brow and reached to his waterskin to wet his whistle. It was quite a warm day, but Flogir was happy to not have to wear any armour. He recalled such days in Kvatch during patrols, it was nearly murder wearing the chainmail in such heat. Yet, he managed, so obviously he could survive this heat. It was then that he caught Jonathan's comment about alchemy.
"So, were you ever successful in achieving the creation of an alcoholic beverage?" he inquired, a gleeful smile crossing his lips as he expected some sort of radical incident during the creation of such a beverage.
Rann
Way to hamster up whatever you may have had there, Rann. he thought to himself as he saw Dalrus and Jonathan.
He pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted as it seemed that everyone was interested in a break. He threw the hackle-lo he had been smoking to the ground and stomped it so that no fire would start. The last thing they needed was more heat.
He sat in under a tree in the shade, wondering if Isaac happened to have more hackle-lo.
Flogir
Flogir bellowed with laughter at Jonathan's story. Wiping away the tears he managed to get out a few words as he tired to get himself composed.
"Next time I would suggest to have somebody sober watch you so they can give an actual account of what took place. Though I do think I wouldn't want to EVER know where that jelly came from!" He said before he started laughing once more.
Flogir decided to sit in the shade of the tree instead of wading out in the water. He wasn't fond of swimming and it wasn't that hot enough to force him to go into the water. Plus, there could be slaughterfish in there. He shivered. He HATED slaughterfish.
Issac
Wiping his forehead, Issac decided the stream might not be a bad way to cope with the heat. He didn't waid around in it though, he just splashed some water on his face. Is it just me or does this place situation seem like a perfect trap?
Issac didn't enjoy that thought at all, so he tried to devert his attention from the chilling possibility.
Karn, never get complacent in the wilderness! ![]()
As the group refreshed themselves either in the water or otherwise. Karn felt it as good a time as any to attack. He focused on his minions, archers, prepare to fire, and get their attention. Goblins go in during the confusion, and berzerkers go in once the goblins meet them. Attack!
And with that he strode out into out of the treeline and revealed himself to Rann, and the Nord. "Hello, prey, I hope you didn't think I wouldn't thank you for revealing the old woman's identity for me....... Because here is your reward." He unsheathed his deadric sword. "Die fools!"
Arezt Arco Colerion
Road
Arco sighed for himself when he saw Jonathan and Dalrus jumping into the water, he had his doubts with this group for the time. Knowing what they're up against they should focus on not walking blind into the Imperial City. He was getting frustrated, he was used to working alone and it was somwhat alright when Serene was with him but now she disappeared and he was left with the group. He only shaked his head and lost the thought, he was far to common with working alone.
Moments later he catched the voice of the stranger, he came walking out of the woods, only too unsheath his blade. This was just what he had expected, he knew far too well how you'd get ambushed when involved situations such as these.
Arco quickly unsheathed his twin blades and sprinted into the forest unnoticed, blending perfectly into the shadows, it was like he disappeared as he dodged past the trees.
OCC: I felt it was time for Ian to get moving again...... I also decided for his vampirism to develope rapidly
Ian, leaving the dojo
Waking up with sweat all over his sheets, Ian knew, not to mention felt, the vampirism revele as its incubasion came to an end. He'd heard that vampires often had nightmares in their sleep, well all beings did, but vampires had them much more often.
He didn't remember much about it though he knew it regarded the group he'd left in Leyawiin. That's it, if the sensei haven't decided then so be it. I am leaving now! Ian thought to himself. He stormed down the hallways of the dojo, heading toward the exit.
Suddenly Rahk-Vir came around the corner, and the two took each other in. The Khajiit sniffed him critically. "You didn't listen to me, Ian, you have the smell of the blook-drinker of you! What were you thinking!?"
Ian replied simply. "I'm doing what I have to do, I'm leaving, whether you've chosen to send the aid or not!" Rahk-Vir chuckled, not like normal, but this was something more genuine. "My fellow stalker, we have decided to send aid, and I for one agreed with all your points."
This was surprising, so now that I'm a vampire like him he respects me? "Before you go Ian, you may wish to wear these, they aren't in the same league as glass, I know, but glass hinders your movement too much." He said as he produced a set of gray leather armor, the guantlets had a five-inch long spike woven into each bracer.
"They are light, and they barely restrict movement. Once you get used to your new abilities they should prove more effective then your glass armor." Rahk-Vir seemed sincere. "Good journey to you."
"Thanks." Ian said, it was hard to believe that the sensei had just given him something of good-will. He rushed to remove the plates of glass and replace them with the leather.
Karn
Rann stood up, weapon draw, and marched up to him. "I don't want anything, but you, kinsman, will lose a great deal because of your allegiences." Karn smirked beneath his cowl, and the sound of whistling arrows became audible.
"And thank you for giving away Serene, or should I say, your grandmother away...... You have done your sister absolutely no good. Less good, in fact, then you had simply remained silent." He spoke with condesension in every vowel of his sentence.
"And I'm not attacking first," he said pointing behind him. "They are." As the arrows fell upon the group and goblins emerged from the trees......
Karn, confronting the group
When Rann threw the arrow at him, Karn had simply slapped it aside, but younger Dunmer follow-up caught the clone off guard. As the copy desentegrated, the goblins had closed the distance between the treeline and the group.
Karn watched from a nearby treebranch. Did that boy really think I would walk up to him in person? The archers were simply an instrament to cause the group to spread thin. Once they were far enough apart, he could make use of his exit stratagy.......
Rann
"Bastarde." he spat, once he realized that his sword was slashing through the dust of what was once a copy of his true enemy.
How did I not see that coming?
He looked around to find that he was surrounded by goblins. Easy enough to kill until a large group got together. A large group like this one.
The grip on his sword got tighter as he walked in a small circle in an effort to face all of his foes at once.
Some magical abilities would be nice right about now... then it hit him. His unexplored ability to absorb and channel magicka. There was plenty of it around, with Serene, Satyana, and Dalrus nearby, but he hated to take their powers and leave them vulnerable.
I need something else. he thought to himself as he hacked away at goblins in a futile effort to break out of the circle alive. An arrow went through his left forearm, but he had no time to pul it out. He just kept on swinging with his currently uninjured sword arm. He ignored the warm feeling of blood trickling down his arm.
Karn
As he watched Rann take one section of the goblins while the rest moved to take on the rest of the group, he had to give him some credit. He's stubborn if nothing else.... The Dunmer took an arrow in the arm put continued to fight regardless.
A pity, he could have been useful.... Karn thought, then shook his head. Orcs, attack, make way for the objective to be captured. Despite the show he'd put on to Rann, Karn mantained no illusions that this battle was anything close to ideal.
The essence of this battle is a skirmish, the first of many. The ninja doubted he could take the group head on, and he didn't want to risk too many minions in this battle. All I need is the girl, and then I'll be able to fight where I want, when I want, and how I want.
As the Orc berzerkers charged past him, he watched for an opening. The orcs were suicidal, but incredibly difficult for one person to beat, they lacked armor or weapons, but were as strong as they came. And in these numbers they'll be quite a problem........
OCC: The "girl" he is refering to is Satyana, as she has some connection to almost every member of the group in one way or another.........
Issac
Hearing Rann curse from somewhere above Issac slowly made his way toward top of the hill. Only to come face to face with a bunch of goblins. He quickly fond himself waist-deep in the water, fending off the small clutch of goblins on his own.
This is great, I just knew something like this would happen..... Issac thought glumly. He was killing the goblins one-by-one but he somehow knew he needed to take them out faster. So Issac blasted the center of the horde with with a blast of frost.
The attack didn't kill them, but simply immobilized them where they stood, lower bodies stuck in ice. I better help the others.... And he began to ascend the hill again, but as he reached the top he got thrown back into the water by a rampaging orc. What in Oblivion is going on? As he lifted himself back up.....
OCC: Got to go to bed, see you all later.
Flogir
Flogir jumped as an arrow landed nearby, and instinctively pulled out Iceshard. By then, Rann was surrounded by enemies and injured.
"Rann! I'm coming!" Flogir shouted as he slashed an incoming goblin, the slash ended up shattering the area it hit as the frost enchantment did its work.
Flogir desperately fought off several goblins, suffering small nicks and scratches from nearly deadly strikes. By the time he reached Rann's side, the Orc berzerkers were charging from the woods.
"By the Divines! How are there so many?" Flogir said through gritted teeth as he fought off the goblins surrounding Rann and himself. He hoped the others would notice the commotion sooner or later.
Flint Ironwood, Imperial city.
Flint finally arrived at his destination, only to find that the city was empty.
,,What's going on here?" The Breton whispered to himself as he surveyed the countryside. When he noticed the large mass of people, his worries faded.
,,So they already evacuated. As far as I'm concerned, the Sil can have the damn city now. For me, it is nothing but a bunch of walls that are easily bypassed. Let him get overconfident. He'll never notice the massive barrage of firepower we can unleash in his throneroom untill it is too late. I think it's better to rendez-vous with the others and get that firepower. They should be using the same path as last time."
Flint ducked into the mage guild and drank several potions to restore his Magicka reserves. After a quick stop at the toilet, he was up in the air again. Flint supressed a yawn as he sailed amidst the clouds.
,,When this is over, I'm going to sleep in my bed for two days straight. Damn, I'm too old for any stupid crisis."
Issac
The orc that had hit him, vaulted from the hilltop and landed with a splash beside Issac. He was wearing nothing except a pair of beaten up pants. As Issac got to his feet, the orc let out a savage howl, and charged forward.
Berzerker! Those things aren't found in the Trans-Niben, what is going on? The orc lifted both its clenched fists high above its head and slammed them down with enough force to crush bones. But Issac jumped back and the orc's fists met water, splashing him in the face.
Issac unsheathed Cyrorend, a flame sword wouldn't do much good when the target was wading around in waist-deep water. He swung at the orc, barely grazing its right arm. But rather then freeze the entire arm, the sword only froze around the cut.
Roaring in outrage and pain, the berzerker punched Issac in the chest with its uninjured arm. The blow threw Issac into the deeper river beside the stream. He nursed the bruise that was rapidly growing on his chest. And the orc charged toward him.......
Dalrus, Skirmish , Imagine some kind of intense fighting metal music.
Dalrus's eyes suddenly became engulfed in flames(I love that band!) She saw that Rann was under attack, along with her other friends. Suddenly steam filled the entire stream and it was nearly empty. Her hair flew wildely as the rush of heat came from her fingers and vaporized three berserkers charging towards her. She had never run out of magic before and she had an unnatural absorption skill in it, almost natural. A mage shot ice at her, it hit her, however, the magic disappated and she was little affected.
Satyana was being charged by orcs, she was a healing specialist, not as much a fighter. Dalrus stepped in front of Satyana just in time, an arrow hit dalrus in the shoulder. She was in rage that it might have hit Satyana. Dalrus's entire body seemed to be pulsing with lightning. (I'm gonna take a line from X-Men, sort of.)
"Do you know what happens to a group of goblins that get hit by lightning?" she asked them with complete slyness. "They die!" she said simply as lightning shot from her fingers(think dramatic metal. like trigger by in flames) and her hair tips and hit the cops of trees that the goblin archers hid in. The trees instantly went up in flames and the goblins were shredded to pieces by her lightning. All the archers Karn had brought were now ash. She looked down on her arrow wound and felt no more, she feinted and fell back, into Satyana, though she weighed very little and would most likely not knock yana over.
Arezt Arco Colerion
Forest
Arco noticed the berserkers and the rest of the minions fleeing, he quickly pulled his blade out of one of the archers he'd just killed before sprinting towards those who were fleeing. With a few long leaps he landed on a small boulder before launching himself off against one of the berserkers, planting a hard kick straight in it's ribs sending it stumbling off into a tree. Arco landed rough roll before he got up and unleashed a hurricane of furious slashes upon the berserker, cutting several deep cuts before a finishing move gleaved the head off and the body (what's left of it) fell limb to the ground.
Another berserker came running past, ignoring Arco - but Arco thought otherwise and immediately delivered a downwards slash digging deep into the orc's leg. He spun around sending his second blade straight down inbetween the orc's shoulderblades killing it instantly.
Ignoring the rest of the fleeing orc's Arco turned his attention to the group and ran through the forest before coming down to the bridge. Everyone seemed ok, although they had taken a few hits.
Ian, preparing to leave...
The armor felt lighter then any other kind Ian had ever worn, but then again that could have been because he was a vampire now. With more strength then before, everything felt differnet, lighter, weaker, less imposing......
In truth, Ian was thankful that he now had something that blended in to the snow. I'll keep my glass armor, it is still of value...... He thought to himself. He knew the signs of vampirism someone possessed when infected. They were paler eyes and skin, gaunt face, and several less noticable give-aways.
But Ian found that he looked more like his old self then he had expected. His eyes were now a light tan rather then their former dark brown. His face was barely changed, he merely looked like he had spent a few weeks in a cave. I'll have to deal with that, he thought.
He felt more vivid urges to feed the before, but he refused to feed on anyone in the dojo. Oddly, Rahk-Vir helped solve that problem, temporarily anyway. He handed Ian an small, mundane looking amulet and several flasks of blood.
"The amulet will increase your willpower, helping you concentrate despite your need for blood. And these flasks should help if you need them, but I wouls suggest feeding at the first opportunity. They won't last long if you hold out against your hunger." The older vampire cautioned.
"Thanks, I'll keep all of this in mind." Ian said as he slipped on the amulet and hid it under his cuirass' collar. As he did so, his cravings diminished significantly, and he put the flasks in a pounch on his belt. While he strode along the walkways toward the entry cavern, the Khajiit waved farewell.
Rann
Rann grabbed at the magicka Serene allowed him, and even took a bit more, just to be sure it was enough. The tattoo on his arm began to glow a fierce red as he thought to summon enough lighting to clear the circle of goblins.
I swear to whatever god is listening, if he harms Satyana in any way... he let his thoughts drift away there as he refocused on the task at hand. The sooner these goblins were gone, the sooner the others could go save Satyana.
It's too bad I'll be out of it. he thought bitterly.
He looked over to FLogir who was fighting beside him. "Try to get someone to wake me up in a few minutes, alright?" He didn't wait for a reply; he didn't have time to explain.
He lifted both arms in the air, sword in hand, and called the lightning down on the goblins. He didn't know how he knew what to do, he just did. He stayed conscious long enough to see the surrounding goblins sizzling on the gorund, but collapsed on the ground a moment later. He wasn't used to having any magicka flowing through his veins, much less the amount of power he had sucked from Serene.
Rahvin
"That's about right." he said. "Though he rarely uses the sharp part."
"Where do we begin, then?" he asked, looking to Sadril for guidance. "Maybe those shadows of yours told you something about the missing child?"
Issac, another casualty
He could guess who Karn had taken, and Issac was certain the only ones who wanted a shot at Karn as much as he did were Rann and Serene. But it brought too much pain to simply stumble up the hill with his broken ribs, so he tried to heal them enough to get up there.
The fractured pieces of bone, with painful sluggishness, came back together and began to become whole again. But that was as far as Issac could get with his exhuastion and lack of expertise in restoration...... Still it was enough for him to get back up the hill before everyone thought he was dead.
When Issac finnaly rejoined the others he let himself collapse, and catch his breath. Looking around confirmed his fears. Karn took Satyana, did she think that he wanted just her? Knowing him he'll just use her a a pawn....... But as far I'm concerned, I don't care. She's worth saving.....
Karn, Valus Mountains
Through the sudden flash of light, the Valus Mountains became visible. As the light receded, Karn looked down at Satyana. He still didn't understand why she'd given herself up. Perhaps she is naive enough to think they would be spared.
The thought was laughable, but Karn knew that some people actually raised their children believing that all thing has good in them. Idealists, he thought with a shrug. The reality is much colder, people can do things with our being provoked.....
Finaly he ran our od patience and hauled Satyana to her feet. He noticed that her clothes weren't meant for the cold. Karn shook his head, and pushed her along toward the camp of the Silhouetes army. While his minions lacked the ability to teleport, Karn knew they would arrive soon.
The silhouete had made use of the mages in his possession, and had set up posts all over their territory. The mages at each place could move the army from one location to the next instantly. I'll have to give this girl a blanket if she is to survive until her friend arrive.....
http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?act=post&do=edit_post&f=6&t=3613&p=92352&st=
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)