The Shadow Under Fort Sutch, RP Playground Thread Options

[Uleni Athram]

Ylenno's sides actually hurt so much he had to groan in pain amidst his laughter. He bared his teeth in both pain and in smile as Lycus dismissed the spitfire maiden, and he eas about to snide in a remark when the lass turned and insulted him and the group in front of the assembled crowds. Ylenno barked another series of sharp laughter and would've blew her a mocking kiss, but it was Westley who retaliated. In a very compromising manner, too. Ylenno's street-smarts enabled him to see the genuine fury in the boy's steps and all manner of giddiness in the elf disappeared as he realized that Westley would've iniated violence against her. He made to stop the lad before he got all of the group locked up below, but, fortunately, it was Lycus who got there first. He conquered the situation with what Ylenno thought he should've used in the first place; his loud commandeering voice. When he cast her out and rebuked her, she fled, and whispered Westley into a state of calmness. Kayla joined in and she conversed with the lad, who now looked to genuinely regret his decision to march up.

The show ended, and the assembled masses of onlookers dispersed one by one.

Ylenno's mirth returned.

"What a scandal," he piped in, followed by a smirk. "That kind of drama I expect from a household, really. The girl would be the nagging fishwife, Lycus the ever-suffering husband, and Westley as the rebellious teenager! Haw-haw-haw-haw!"

It was meant in jest, of course. To raise the overall spirit of the situation, since Lycus got all nihilistic about that. 'Spirits shall descend with you," really? He almost spoke like the sesquipedallian Monk-Boy now! But elonquence with words or no, the public scandal was over, and with it, the possibilty of having trouble than was necessary. That was what mattered, really. Ylenno turned to Buffy and found her a little step away from the group, tiny hands on her respectable elven ears. He found that quite odd. Surely she was used to things such as these? Bravil was home to events infintely more bloodier than this little, after all. But then he remembered that she probably lived with the nicer crowd of Bravil, and that she may have been shielded from the realities of the streets. She was fortunate then, if it were so. He approached her.

"Oh look, little Buffy is playing with her rabbit ears! Or is she trying to hide them, afraid of the cruel teasing of the world? This grim matter needs to be looked in at the most fastest convenience! Come over here, Buff, there's no need to distance yourself away from this scandalous gathering of ne'er-do-wells!"

He turned to the others.

"Apart from Tarrick, we're all set as a pony all giddied up like a buttercup. I'm pretty sure he's on his way now, so why don't we just wait for him inside the Guildhall? Its rather hot standing in the afternoon all armored up, you know!" He took a glance at Lycus and bit his lip.

"And there may be a small chance that the girl will call all her thuggish boyfriends and send them after us in a blood vengeance. You never know with teenagers like that. She had the guts to insult armed strangers after all!"

[Acadian]

Buffy:

Ylenno lightheartedly teased Buffy about covering her ears during the fracas. “It wasn’t the events, it was the volume. My ears are quite – oh, nevermind.” With her hands still up near her head, she turned them to face Ylenno and wiggled her fingers at him as she stuck out her tongue. After a moment, she dropped her hands and grinned, even scooting back closer to the other Bosmer like he asked.

"Apart from Tarrick,” Ylenno continued, “we're all set as a pony all giddied up like a buttercup. I'm pretty sure he's on his way now, so why don't we just wait for him inside the Guildhall? Its rather hot standing in the afternoon all armored up, you know! And there may be a small chance that the girl will call all her thuggish boyfriends and send them after us in a blood vengeance. You never know with teenagers like that. She had the guts to insult armed strangers after all!"

Buffy wasn’t concerned about the girl returning. She was pretty sure that with some time to cool down and think, the young Altmer wouldn’t again dare risk the ire of Lycus. Rather, the little elf cued on something else Ylenno said, for she too had noted the angle of the sun. “My pony is indeed all giddied up. Given the number of visiting horses at Anvil’s stable, I gather I am one of the few who will be riding to Sutch. Regardless, it is a notable distance north to the ruins and I hope we’re underway in time to travel with some daylight.”

OOC:
Just a note. If you tease elves about their ears, you're likely to get the following merish display, demonstrated here by two of our own elven lasses - Caution! You’ve been warned!

[PhoenixGamer]

OOC: Acadian, dafuq did I just watch?

Elaninde:

"We do, thank you. And I trust you are prepared as well?" Kayla said. Just after the last word had gotten past her lips she suddenly said:

"A wood elf with an axe! Now THAT is impressive!". Elaninde turned around and saw Ylenno approached them. Ylenno put on a duck-face and and said:

"Your sword is all the more impressive than my axe, really. Got a powerful enchantment; my magicky senses-a-tingle everytime I'm near!"

"What's even more impressive," Ylenno said in his most Nordic voice possible. "Is your accent, lassie. Gives your smouldering sexiness a glow!" Just after he had said that, Elaninde saw an altmer woman slapping Lycus, screaming:

"You lying dishonest pig!" This seemed to be funny since Ylenno started laughing like a madman when he saw Lycus' face. Despite how angered he must have gotten when the altmer slapped him he handled this quite calmly, and simply explained to the woman that he held no interest in her whatsoever. The woman responded to this by saying:

"If you weren't interested you should have said so instead of misleading me; some honourable man you are." She must have heard Ylenno laughing as she suddenly turned around at them and said:

"The lot of you can be damned!"

"I hope you and your 'honourable' friend meet your end in those pits!" This seemed to anger Westley as when Elaninde turned around at them she saw him first being told by Lycus to let her go on with her life and then being calmed by Kayla's soothing words. Ylenno seemed to die of laughter but calmed down and said:

"What a scandal,", followed by a smirk.

"That kind of drama I expect from a household, really. The girl would be the nagging fishwife, Lycus the ever-suffering husband, and Westley as the rebellious teenager! Haw-haw-haw-haw!"

"Oh look, little Buffy is playing with her rabbit ears! Or is she trying to hide them, afraid of the cruel teasing of the world? This grim matter needs to be looked in at the most fastest convenience! Come over here, Buff, there's no need to distance yourself away from this scandalous gathering of ne'er-do-wells!"

He turned to the others.

"Apart from Tarrick, we're all set as a pony all giddied up like a buttercup. I'm pretty sure he's on his way now, so why don't we just wait for him inside the Guildhall? Its rather hot standing in the afternoon all armored up, you know!" He took a glance at Lycus and bit his lip. Buffy answered by saying:

“My pony is indeed all giddied up. Given the number of visiting horses at Anvil’s stable, I gather I am one of the few who will be riding to Sutch. Regardless, it is a notable distance north to the ruins and I hope we’re underway in time to travel with some daylight.” Elaninde decided to break in here and said:

"I guess it would be ok to wait for Tarrick inside the guildhall yes, I have everything I need and actually got to borrow the horse of a friend this morning, this is the town I spent most of my time from my parents death until my 26th birthday."

This post has been edited by PhoenixGamer: Feb 27 2013, 08:26 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus only nodded at Westley's apology, and left him to be alone with his lover, Kayla. In the backround he could hear Ylenno still flapping his tongue as if Sheogorath had fed him a heavy dose of nut-house cheese.

"What a scandal," said Ylenno with a growing smirk. "That kind of drama I expect from a household, really. The girl would be the nagging fishwife, Lycus the ever-suffering husband, and Westley as the rebellious teenager! Haw-haw-haw-haw!"

The big man frowned, and with a half measure of what could possibly be a smile, he said. "You left out the Bosmeri pet jester."

The group stood there and began to plan their next move when Ylenno mentioned concern about the Altmer girl coming back. Truthfully, Lycus was expecting anything at this point. Should the girl be brave enough to send whatever man or child, or man-child she conjured up with her feminine wiles, Lycus would not be as merciful as he was before. He hoped it wouldn't come to that. There is only one life he is commanded to take, and he wasn't sure he would do it yet. It was too soon. There would be no sport in it. To kill his prey, he must first know what he is hunting. The character of the animal that would be ensnared into the trap.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

While the rest discussed among themselves their concern over the Altmer girl, Kayla sighed and patted Westley's arm. Just then, she had an overwhelming urge to knock Lycus' teeth from his head. She turned towards him and turned back to Westley.

Hmm. That was odd, she thought. Maybe Westley's temper is catching.

She shrugged it off and tuned in just in time to hear someone mention going inside. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and agreed. "Not used to this heat," she murmured. "I'm used to being frozen almost all of the time."

[King Of Beasts]

Westley

Westley watched as Kayla wiped the sweat off of her forehead. "Not used to this heat, I'm used to being frozen almost all of the time."

Westley chuckled "You'll have to learn to get used to it. It's not as warm down here in anvil as it is in the Imperial City."

Westley forced a reluctant smile, then spaced out for no apparent reason. He feared that he would lose control and hurt someone, or worse. Lycus was right. There was no need for mindless bloodshed, and taking innocent lives was the last thing Westley wanted.

This post has been edited by King Of Beasts: Feb 28 2013, 03:09 AM

[Acadian]

Buffy:

In response to Kayla’s acknowledgment of the heat, Westley reminded her that Cyrodiil was indeed warmer than the frozen tundra that the Altmeri daughter of Skyrim was probably used to.

Buffy nodded her agreement. “I guess between my lack of mass and large ear surfaces, I dissipate heat quite easily. I’m sure the light density of my bird-like bones and thin Valenwood blood probably helps too. It’s the cold I have trouble with. In fact it was a Nord named Jerric who gave me the resist cold toe ring I always wear. Like my mare’s saddle pad with the same enchantment, it does no harm during pleasant weather but is of great comfort when the temperature falls.”

Lifting her gaze to meet Kayla’s, Buffy added, “I also carry a resist fire ring. Would you like to borrow it? I’ve rarely needed it - not even when traveling the warmer provinces of Valenwood or Elsweyr.”

The small elf did not add that, in fact, the only times she had ever worn the ring were during her three visits to the Deadlands. Out of respect for the true heroes and champions that had defeated the forces of Mehrunes Dagon during the crisis, Buffy had no wish to imply credentials she did not have.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Westley told Kayla she'd have to get used to the warmth. She frowned. She missed Skyrim. The feeling of warm furs on her body was replaced with a sheen of sweat. There were only two times it was acceptable to sweat; during battle and during lovemaking. Since she was engaging in neither one at the moment, she was offended at the trickle of moisture making its way down her back.



Buffy offered her ring of resist fire, and Kayla blinked in surprise at the offer. "Actually, that would be wonderful. I'm not used to being so warm." She refrained from repeating verbally what was in her head. She had nothing to give the smaller elf in return, except a warm smile and gratitude. She squeezed Buffy's shoulder and thanked her.

[Acadian]

Buffy:

Buffy dug into the small jewelry pouch at her waist and quickly produced her ring of resist fire. “Here. It’s not strong enough to ward you from fireballs, but it can certainly defend against hot weather.” Pressing the ring into Kayla’s hand, she stood on tiptoes and quietly whispered up toward one of the statuesque Altmer’s delicately curved ears, “Keep it. I can easily make another when I return to the University. Save up your sweat for that man back home.”

Kayla gave Buffy a beautifully warm smile in return while gently squeezing the smaller mer’s shoulder and thanking her.

Stepping back, Buffy announced, “I’m going inside to see if there’s any strawberries left! I hope Tarrick shows his handsome face before the afternoon shadows lengthen much more.”

[Colonel Mustard]

Tarrick

Tarrick was gone almost the moment that Oedipus finished his speech, out of door and heading along one of the streets of Anvil. He had overhead Lycus and Kayla talking about these creatures, these Falmer, and how they relied on sound, not sight to track their prey. With that in mind, and considering his usual approach to danger, he decided that he would need something to help keep the odds in his favour.

The place he reached was Lelles' Quality Merchandise (or possibly Mercandise), and he pushed open the door. Norbert Lelles, the Breton owner of the place, looked up as Tarrick entered.

"Can I help?" he asked.

"That's what I'm hoping," Tarrick said. "You sell clothes, right?"

"Among other things, yes," Norbert said. "What do you want?"

"Velvet," Tarrick said. "Just two big patches of velvet, that's all. Oh, and a needle and thread."

"Alright then, if that's what you'd like," Norbert said. "That should come to...six septims, please."

Tarrick paid his money, took his goods and left. He found a quiet spot on a bench in the street, took out his needle and thread, and began to sew, forming the velvet into two bags, each one large enough to cover his foot; each one would quiet his footsteps as well as any spell.

The work took a while, but once it was done he tucked them away and headed off, keeping an eye open for the rest of the group. He found them soon enough, gathered in one of Anvil's main streets, and waved at them as he approached.

"Sorry for disappearing like that," he said. "Had important things to do and needed to them in a hurry. I miss anything important?"

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus Desselius.

"And there may be a small chance that the girl will call all her thuggish boyfriends and send them after us in a blood vengeance. You never know with teenagers like that. She had the guts to insult armed strangers after all!" Ylenno said. Lycus scoffed inwardly at the words. It wouldn't surprise him. She could use her wiles on foolish young men guided by the shriveled blade between their legs to brave an attack on him while she remains behind, safe from his wrath.

He should have followed his instincts and naturally rejected the woman, though it would have caused more harm than any good. But he promised to put her past his mind. If she sends her lovers to try and make an attempt against his life, so be it. But in the meantime he would remain

Lycus listened to Kayla and Buffy converse about the weather and the cold and the heat. Buffy was not used to frigid climates and mentioned of a ring she was given to dispel the cold. She also had other enchanted items to help her discomfort. Lycus knew where she was coming from. He too was used to hotter climates and warm weather. From roaming through the hot ashstorms of Morrowind, to the sands of Elsweyr and Hammerfell to the Cyrodiilic climate, he was no stranger to heat.

When moving to Skyrim, he remained close to Falkreath for it's proximity to Cyrodiiil. There were few times where he had to make journeys into the frozen glacial valleys of Skyrim and Solstheim, but he had to rely on his superior form to survive the harsh snowstorms. Even then the winter was hard on him. It wouldn't be long until he had to return to the Nordic homeland . . .he only wish he could make the best of his current stay in his own province of birth.

He was debating on whether he should leave or not when a familiar face appeared. It was no other than Tarrick, who already came apologizing for his notable absence. "Sorry for disappearing like that," he said. "Had important things to do and needed to them in a hurry. I miss anything important?"

"Nothing important." Lycus told him, resisting to massage the lingering after-effects of an adolescent's slap. He stood there, and looked at the others and then to Buffy. "There are many adventurers on their way to Fort Sutch. I think it is best we be on our own."

He hauled his spear over his shoulder and turned around to begin walking. A smile, one that never was seen on his face since the time he had lingered, crawled along the edges of his mouth. "If we let them ride to their destination, what glory will there be left for us?"

[Acadian]

Buffy:

Before Buffy could enter the guild, the sound of Tarrick's voice stopped her. She turned to see the Redguard’s arrival and hear both his apology for being delayed and inquiry as to if he had missed anything.

It was Lycus that fielded the question, truthfully stating that Tarrick had missed nothing of significance. The heavily armored man then looked around at the group and, when his gaze met Buffy’s, he said, "There are many adventurers on their way to Fort Sutch. I think it is best we be on our own." Turning as if to leave, he added, "If we let them ride to their destination, what glory will there be left for us?"

Buffy scratched her head, confused as to whether the big human was challenging the guild master’s intent to lead the group or whether he intended to set off on his own. “Lycus, you may have my share of glory,” she offered. “I am here as a Lamp Knight to support a sister guild’s pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Perhaps there is safety in the numbers that an organized expedition provides, not to mention Oedipus’ familiarity with the ruins, foes and wardings that bar the way below. I for one,” she gently suggested, “would welcome the protection that your armor and weaponry can provide by staying with us.”

The words fell against Lycus’ back and Buffy was unsure if he heard them. Glancing up at the sun, she mentioned to no one in particular, “The hour of preparation time that Oedipus spoke of has nearly passed. I would expect him to join us shortly.”

[Uleni Athram]

GM POST (kinda) and YLENNO

By the time Tarrick returned from whatever task he ran, Ylenno was already inside, cooling his body from the heat of afternoon Magnus. Whatever conversation the others had inside would've been null to the elf's ears; and even if their talk carried over through the walls, he doubted it would've matched the volume of the Adventurers Guildhall as it sprang to life. The true electricity of the event struck the air now, and Guildsmen and hirelings alike went about their businesses with lightning fluidity. It was an ordered chaos. Everybody knew what to do.

Ylenno watched all of them as he sat on a bench, fanning himself and his sweat away. Observing always helped Ylenno; it gave him a general rundown of the situation and allowed him some roguish assessment. Right now his streets-eye, as it were, allowed him to see that some of the Adventurers and hirelings had identical armbands on their biceps, and those with the same color stuck together. Like some sort of group.

He stopped a gigantic Orc with a red armband and asked what those were for.

"Its show who you were grouped with," the Orc said with a gravelly voice, looking down on the elf. "These Adventurers team you up with others like some kind of balanced group! To cover their weaknesses while you cover theirs, or some such. Guess that's why tjhy took a look at my form and glued me up to some mages over there."

He waved a hamfist hand towards a shuffling group of, sure enough, robed wizards and among them were a couple of warriors, and perhaps even a rogue or two. All of them had red armbands on their biceps, like the orc.

"Go get yourself sorted out back at the Atrium, shorty. You'd be useless as a loner when we go under."

Ylenno nodded, bid him a good day and stood up. He weaved through the assembled masses of walking armaments and finally found himself in the Atrium, relatively unscathed, On the dais where the inauguration speech was held, there stood the strange Breton with the equally unnerving red-eyes of his. He stood regal as a hawk-like king, and his royal-red stare peered through crowds of motley mercenaries..... until it found Ylenno's gaze.

There was something off about the way this guy looked, Ylenno thought as he held the gaze evenly. Something... maleficent. The breton then gestured for him to come, and judging from the armbands on his hands, Ylenno guessed that it was probably for him and whoever else that had the fortune of grouping with him. He had a smirk on his face as he stepped up on the platform.

From this close, Ylenno found that the Breton and him were of equal height. But their was an aura of something else that glows around him, something that gives this lanky figure the presence of a giant. If the breton minded Ylenno's analyzation of him, he didn't show it. He merely handed him a blue armband.

"So who's grouping up with me," Ylenno asked while adjusting the mark on himself.

The voice of the Breton was dark steel dipped in deep velvet wine that shined on the auburn fire of a black sun. It was sonorous and had an echo, supremely contemptous with a High Rock accent, and like his red eyes, it bespoke a powerful maleficence and hissed a very confident superiority.

"I have a list of names here," the Breton drawled with that chilling voice of his as he handed Ylenno a piece of paper and the rest of the bands. "Get these to your group. There will be a final meeting here in the Atrium before we venture out, so come back once you get yourself acquianted with the others of your group..."

Ylenno resusted the urge to grind his teeth. He wasn't one to jump conclusions but this man gave him a nasty vive, and that vibe screamed 'evil' like it was going out of style for cliche villains. He just nodded his head and let the rest of the breton's words go through one ear to another, just remembering the important stuff. He didn't waste anytime staying there; any longer and he wprobably would've turned to Daedra worship.

When he found himself near the entrance, he stopped and took a look at the paper given to him. A list of names written in a beauiful hand danced on it, and they gave him a smile. Ylenno smiled back. This was the list of names that gave him a giddy feeling;

Elandine, sellsword of some renown.

Buffy of Bravil, representative Lamp Knight of the Guild of Mages.

Lycus Desselius, former Grand Champion of the Arena.

Kayla, daughter of Skyrim.

Westley Arctus, former member of the Anvil Guild of Fighters.

Tarrick Kathram, local of Anvil.

Ylenno (the first and last of his name, supremely handsome heir-apparent of the Prestigiously Majestic Clan Sasalonia of the Royally Extinguished Bloodline of Sasalosiel of the Bushy Realm of sacred Valenwood).

He had a goofy grin on his face as he read his name and the faux-title that trailed off like a worm after his name. He was suprised that the Adventurers would actually go through the trouble of writing the whole thing down. Oh well, he thought. It didn't h-

He noticed the last name on the paper.

He read it.

His eyes widened and bulged, and his thin eyebrowsd raised themselves outrageously. His mouth opened and closed like a fish on dry land. He couldn't believe it. There, in bold letters. The object of his bewilderment.


OEDIPUS NEBRASKA, MASTER OF THE GUILD OF ADVENTURERS.

He decided that the others would share his surprise, and the look on their faces would be a treat too. He went outside, and just in time to see Lycus walk off. towards the gate Buffy was off to the side, and she voiced Ylenno's thoughts.

"That's right boys and girls." he announced as he made his presence known. He gave a nod of greeting to Tarrick.

"There'll be no lone wolves limping off. Things are already organized inside, and apparently we mercs have to be grouped together. To make things easier, I guess. Here."

He handed each and every one of them the blue armbands. He waved Lycus to come over so he can get his.

"Its a delightful coincedence, isn't it? We all know each other, and then we get grouped together! Things are looking up, if you ask me."

He turned serious as he drew the piece of paper that confirmed their status as a group. He waved it in the air, getting their attention.

"We're also going to be joined by another guy. Try not to faint when you hear his name, okay?"

He turned to Buffy and gave her the paper.

"If you would do us the honors and recite all the names there, sister?"

[Acadian]

Buffy:

As Ylenno explained that the Adventurers Guild had organized the expedition into teams, Buffy affixed the blue band he had given her to her left upper arm. It clashed with what she wore, but at least it matched her eyes – sort of.

The fellow Bosmer then pressed a scroll into Buffy’s hand as he said, “If you would do us the honors and recite all the names there, sister?”

As Buffy unrolled the document and skimmed over it, her face danced among relief, humor then surprise. She cleared her throat and donned her most courtly manner as she took some minor liberties with the beautifully quilled words.

“To all who shall see these presents, greeting. Know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the following intrepid adventurers, they are hereby bound together by bands of blue:
Elaninde, renowned spellsword.
Buffy of Bravil, Lamp Knight, Guild of Mages.
Lycus Desselius, former Grand Champion of the Arena.
Kayla, Daughter of Skyrim.
Westley Arctus, former member of the Anvil Guild of Fighters.
Tarrick Kratham, local of Anvil.
Ylenno, Bravilian Bushmaster.”

Supressing a smile at her creative shortening of Ylenno's title, she then looked up from the parchment. “The final member of our group is Oedipus Nebraska, Master of the Guild of Adventurers.”

[King Of Beasts]

Westley put on the blue armband handed to him by Ylenno as Buffy read the list of members in his group. His eyes widened with shock when Buffy announced the last member in their group.

“The final member of our group is Oedipus Nebraska, Master of the Guild of Adventurers.”

"Oedipus Nebraska is joining out group?"

Westley smiled. Surely this could only be beneficial. Having the man who knows the most about this expedition along side the group would definitely give everyone an advantage over the other groups.

"Any idea when Nebraska will get here?"

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla took the armband when it was given to her. She didn't speak of her surprise when she found out they were grouped together. She did, however, gasp in surprise when she learned that Oedipus Nebraska would be in their group.

"Wait a moment, " she said suspiciously. "Not only were we, as a group, put together to explore this place, but we're having the head of the Adventurer's Guild come with us?" She snorted. She kept the next part of her sentence to herself, which was Something doesn't seem right...

[Uleni Athram]

Ylenno gave Buffy a mock-disappointed look when she shortened his titles. He even tsked, but there was a smile on his face. Westley shared his mirth, and asked when Oedipus will come. The elf gave a shrug in his way.

"Nope, we'll be the ones who'll go to him, not the other way around. There's a final gathering going down back at the Atrium, and once we're all 'bonded by bands of blue,' as my sister elf elonquently put, we should go there." Another shrug. "Maybe he'd answer your questions, I dunno."

Having the Guild Master himself as a member of the group was as unexpected as a sudden thunderstrike on a clear sunny day. It jolted his veins and gave him a shiner. Ylenno's days as a thug on the streets toughened him up on pleasantries; he wasn't the one to look the gift horse in the mouth. Surely, as others here no doubt thought, having Nebraska himself lead them personally could soften whatever dangers that lurk below the Fort? This man braved those deeps himself and his experience there would be a great help to the group. Having been in large brawls himself, the young elf understood the aid an experienced hand could give and for that, he was grateful.

Unfortunately, Kayla didn't think along the same lines. She voiced her thoughts openly, and while Ylenno could understand the sheer volume of surprising coincedence in the events, he simply didn't understand why the other elf would suddenly go on a conspiracy-theorist mode. Yes, he heard her last remark. He was still a fellow elf after all, and his ears were quite sharp due to his heritage.

"Oh yes, this whole chain of events, this expedition, conviently 'grouping' us together, Oedipus joining us, its one big, dastardly move to specifically kill us all in a very horrible manner because we wronged Nebraska before in a previous life, and apparently he has one hell of a memory!"

He gave a laugh, lest Kayla mistook his sarcasm for offence. He turned serious.

"I don't see why something like this isn't right, to be honest. Sure, its a massively delightful convienience, and being cautious is generally a good thing to be, but if you'd ask me, out of all the mercenaries that jumped on this Expedition, all of us are probably the most capable.

And its not a brag. Look at us, for gods' sake! We have a former Grand Champion of the Arena with us, and famed hero of Bravil too! And, dun dun dun duuuun, we have yours truly! So yeah, it won't surprise me for Nebraska to lump us with his personal guard to add for his maximum protection."

He gave a massive shrug. He was as clueless as the rest of them.

"But that's just my inner-genius thinking. And what I do know, is that I don't know. We'd be better off if we'd ask the man himself; come on, my sweet darlings, the Atrium awaits!"

[Darkness Eternal]

As Lycus prepared to leave, Buffy called out to him. He stopped and turned around, but not fully that he was facing her.

"Lycus, you may have my share of glory. I am here as a Lamp Knight to support a sister guild’s pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Perhaps there is safety in the numbers that an organized expedition provides, not to mention Oedipus’ familiarity with the ruins, foes and wardings that bar the way below. I for one would welcome the protection that your armor and weaponry can provide by staying with us."

Oedipus does hold knowledge over the nature of the ruins and the life-threatening mysteries that dwell below. And of course it would be a brave but foolhearty act to venture there alone. But Lycus had no intention of assaulting the ruin by himself.

Grand Champion of the Arena in Cyrodiil and Champion of the Arena of Kvatch, as well as Vivec, Lycus was seasoned in combat and stood as a survivor in the Daedric Wild Hunt and champion of Hircine. With Lycanthropy running through his veins, he was given more abilities and skills that surpassed the common man. Though he was all of these things he was still mortal. When time could not wound him deeply, the blade or the spell of an enemy could.

Numbers can be overwhelming and Lycus knows not what else he faces below. His desire was to simply reach the doors of Sutch before the other groups ventured in.

By this time Ylenno had ventured in the Guildhall, and the rest of the group waited impatiently. Lycus was pressed to leave until the Bosmer came out from the hall with a parchment in his hands.

"That's right boys and girls," he said. "There'll be no lone wolves limping off. Things are already organized inside, and apparently we mercs have to be grouped together. To make things easier, I guess. Here."

Lone wolves . . .

Ylenno waved to him so that he could get one of the armbands that was being offered that served to identity each group of adventurers. His was blue. He handed the parchment that held the names to Buffy, who started to read it with polished tone fitting of a woman of the court or higher standing.

Each of the names were read, and when she reached the end, Lycus' expression took on a turn of mild interest into confused suspicion. Oedipus joins us . . .

Lycus saw the advantage of this. The master of the guild himself would be joining the group. He among everyone else knew what lies under Fort Sutch and that meant they had an advantage over the other teams.

Ylenno was excited. Westley seemed to like the idea. But Kayla? Kayla had a look on her face that spoke volumes of her distrust. Ylenno did not share in her suspicion, and even spoke out.

"Oh yes, this whole chain of events, this expedition, conviently 'grouping' us together, Oedipus joining us, its one big, dastardly move to specifically kill us all in a very horrible manner because we wronged Nebraska before in a previous life, and apparently he has one hell of a memory!"

Or perhaps he wants to use the dregs to mop the fort clean so that he can discover some hidden treasure . . .

Maybe not, Lycus added. It did not matter to him. What Ylenno said did make sense. There were capable men and women in this group. He could see Buffy had a deadly streak about her. From his short time being with her he already heard her name spoken in different titles. Undoubtedly a great ally. He was eager to see how she would fare in combat.

Terrick was a roguish man, much like Ylenno the Jester with the tongue that never tires. Being a Redguard, Lycus hoped the man would be a fearsome warrior as many of them are. Sailors, pirates, sea merchants, sand-walkers . . .Redguards came in all shapes and sizes in various martial prowess. It is in their blood. And it is in Lycus' blood, as well. He is part Redguard. The scimitar on his side was not just for show.

Kayla. Where would Lycus begin with her? She was raised in Skyrim. She must had acquired a few set of skills while living in the Nordic lands. Her accent already told most that she integrated herself with their culture and was raised among them. Her time will come to show that she is good with the sword.

Ylenno. The jester who favors comedy over contention certainly showed Lycus that he wielded the axe in a fluid manner. Even so that child's dance back at the armor store was due to his rather insane personality, there was deadly truth to his every swing.

Elandine. Anti-social Altmer woman. She doesn't speak too much and gives Lycus a feel that she is absent or non-existent. He had to wonder what made this woman deadly. Her magical powers, maybe.

Westley. A fellow Lycanthrope. Hot-headed, bitter and of course, brash. His gift alone would make him a deadly adversary only if he knew how to fight with a sword and shield. His connection with the Fighter's Guild was not missed by Lycus. If he could put his skill to good use, then it would be beneficial to the group. As long as he doesn't shift in the fullness of the moons like Lycus, then it would be fine.

Lycus stroked the faint stuble of hair on his chin and followed Ylenno into the guildhall.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla was slightly taken aback at Ylenno's quip towards her suspicion. She was sure he was joking with her, but all the same, she felt it didn't call for him making that much of a scene. She hadn't even said that something wasn't right, unless Ylenno suddenly became a mind-reader.

Or perhaps she was more transparent than she initially believed.

Kayla rolled her eyes and slipped on the ring Buffy gave her. She fanned herself and grinned. That was much better. Sometimes it seemed like she couldn't win, being an elf-sicle in Skyrim, and a sweaty Altmer in Cyrodiil. No matter. Perhaps soon she would be lobbing fireballs at the heads of Falmer. Or not. That would cause a commotion, as would a party of clanky armour-covered people.

She inwardly shrugged. Perhaps it would not be so bad. She had yet to see the abilities of the others, though Ylenno's axe and Buffy's apparent skill with a bow gave her some relief. She wasn't too skilled with a bow and arrow, and she never wanted to pick up an axe or hammer. She eyes Lycus' scimitar for a moment, and wondered how he was with that. She heard of his skill in the Arenas, but never cared much for staged fighting events.

Westley, Elinande, and Tarrick's skills were completely unknown to her. Kayla cracked her knuckles. She wondered if any of the others had a secret weapon up their sleeves, something that made them more than they appeared. All she had was her hand-to-hand skills, and those were a bit rusty. If she ever lost her sword, she'd have a back-up plan, at least.

Kayla followed Ylenno and Lycus into the hall, motioning Westley to hurry up.

[King Of Beasts]

Westley

Westley followed Ylenno, Kayla, and Lycus into the hall. He tried his hardest to stay at the back of the group, and away from strangers. True, he was happy about Nebraska being in the group, but he couldn't help but wonder....why? Why his group? He shrugged off any suspicion for the moment, and kept his head down. He didn't speak to anyone, he didn't look at anyone, he didn't go near anyone. Too many strange faces in one place.

He glanced up at the others. They were calmly walking through the crowd of people, unlike Westley, who was starting to get anxious. Going unnoticed is hard when you're one of the tallest people in the room. He felt....awkward just walking around, towering over the other people in the room. Strangers glanced at him, then turned around and whispered to their companions. Westley grit his teeth.

Why won't they leave me alone?! Have they not seen a tall man before?!

Westley kept trying to ignore everyone around him, but it was hard.He was anxious and claustrophobic, and the inner wolf was just itching to come out and attack. Westley was disgusted with himself. He had the feeling to kill innocent people for no particular reason other than some powerful, uncontrollable bloodlust. He tried taking deep breaths to calm down, but he only got angrier.

He decided to turn his thoughts to the expedition to ease the urge to hunt. What fortunes must lie beneath Such! The intensity of the bloodlust went away as soon as the thought of adventuring a brand new place and discovering epic new things crossed Westley's mind, and he smiled in satisfaction . He had won against the wolf....for now.