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."

Rann

"I can't be hard on someone that's too stubborn to show her face." he said to himself, frustrated with Serene.

He felt like a third wheel walking beside Isaac and Satyana, so he fell silent, turning his thoughts inward. His brooding didn't exactly help his demeanor, as he found that he was becoming more and more angry at what he percieved as stupidity in Serene.

I know the value of sneaking in the shadows - I'm a damned assassin. But whatever the hell she's doing is pointless and serves no purpose beyond making Satyana feel unworthy of her trust. Like my sister needs to be watched over by her grandmother when she's twenty years old - no, it's not even that. It's the fact that she feels that it's necessary to be so damn sneaky about it. And that she expected me to go along with her deception. Well damn her.

Issac, reasoning

It was obvious that Rann was still frustrated by Serene's deception, and Issac, though probably against his better judgement, decided to get involved. He turned to Rann. "Rann, think about it, there are probably lots of people: beggers, commoners, nobles, assassins, and more that know her name. It would be difficult to be subtle with that sort of repution."

Issac continued. "I don't agree with lying to her own family, nor do I think she was being very discreet about it anyway. But think about if everyone in Tamriel knew who you were and what you did, you wouldn't be able to do much of anything without someone looking over your shoulder, would you?"

Sadril

"So... then," Sadril sighed, walking behind the two, "Where do we start looking around, hmm?" He part his arms behind his head and stretched. As far was where to search Sadril clearly hadn't a shroud of a plan.

Rann

"Don't try to justify her actions. We're not in the middle of the Imperial City here, we're in the wilderness walking towards it. It's not as if you and I are going to form a large annoying mob around her. She's just being unnecessarily secretive to her own family, trying to keep Satyana under her thumb without being noticed and then throwing me into the middle of it, like decieving my sister is something I do often. I'm sure she did the same to you, judging by your expressions earlier. And look at her, even now that she's been discovered, she stays hidden. Well damn her."

"Damn you!" he shouted immdiately after, to make sure Serene heard that last part, if nothing else.



Rahvin

He shrugged. "Start with Tamriel, I guess." he said with a smirk. "But seriously, I thought one of your contacts would know. Maybe another servant of your former employer would know of her whereabouts?"

Rahvin didn't realize that the word 'former' wasn't necessary in his last statment.

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 father´s sake if nothinbg else, stop acting like a child, you put your sister in danger don´t you see? Evil is nearer than you think, but you´re 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 Karn´s message and froze.....so that´s it ...well if he wanted war he´d 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 you´ll 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 Rann´s and Serene´s 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.

Serene

This was a real threat....no time for childish behaviour anymore...she focussed hard, there might be some real nastiness here. She wouldn´t hesitate to use the final spell on that Karn.....no way not at all. SShe´d do what was needed to protect these people.....and that´s final!

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 wasn´t 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 she´d 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, I´m not ashamed....of my body

Anyway she moved even closer towards Issac...just for safety...


Serene

"Your father´s robe is...what I´m wearing....even if you maybe don´t recognise it" Serene muttered "But please stay away from me I...I foresee an encounter very soon and I don´t 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

Issac

Serene was calling him innocent, just like Satyana had, but he let it go. All right if, she wants to be distant then that's what she wants..... Issac also thought that something wasn't right, when one's life was often in danger one learned to know when danger was coming.

Issac smiled when he noticed Satyana, and simply enjoyed the quiet moment......

Karn, scheming

He favored the sun sourly, the members of the group weren't the only ones that were hot. Karn was burning up in his attire, but he wasn't liable to take them off. At this rate it will take the hours for the sunset....... That won't do at all.

Karn thought to himself. This group may be small, but they've proved to be resourceful and hardy...... he pondered what to do...... Perhaps a full offensive wouldn't be wise, and I don't think waiting 'til night will cut it...... The ninja studied the members of the group. No, an attck would be a waste of time, this band is so mixed up that no plan would fit for them.....

He continued to stay hidden in the brush, watching. Karn's crimson eyes glinted as he thought about some possibilities. It is likely that I could turn them against each other....... no, that would take too long. Maybe we could lead them into an ambush or devide them........ The latter seemed very appealing. Mmm... but what sort of bait could I use........

Jonathan Constantine

"Magicka is, well I thought it was beyond me.. I've never really trusted anything other then my own sword arm, and knack for getting myself in trouble really." Jonathan explained, trying his best not to eye Dalrus...

"My skill in alchemy actually started because I.. err well I wanted to make my own alcohol, and one thing just led to another you know?"

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.

Jonathan

Jonathan noticed Flogir's smile and didn't even try to hide his own. "Well it depends really.. After I drank it I later woke up naked in the middle of some forest with what appeared to be jelly.. smeared over most of my body. So I guess the result could of been similiar." Laughing as he made his way down to the stream he continued, "However, I doubt it had the same alchemical qualities of alcohol.."

Jonathan knelt down into the cool stream water and filled his water bag as full as possible to give to his horse later. He then stripped down to his greaves and waded into the center of the stream to stretched out his tired muscles. They weren't anything of legend, but Jonathan was fairly happy with the way he kept himself. Toned, not overly muscular, but enough to bash several faces in and then some.

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.

Rann

Rann sighed as he stood up and cracked his knuckles. "You again? What the hell do you want?" he asked as his katana found its way into his hand.

He strode bodly towards Karn, causing the tension to build as he wondered who would launch the first attack.

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......

Rann

"You may want to shut your mouth," Rann began, refusing to appear affected by the news in any way even when an arrow landed less than an inch from his toe. "Because you won't be able to once I shove my sword down your throat."

He snatched up the arrow at his feet and threw it at Karn, immediately following it to hopefully catch him by surprise. He doubted that one so obviously experienced would fall for such a trick, but luck was known to work in his favor from time to time.

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.

Serene

She scanned the situation quickly, decided not to barge in just like that, then she felt something else....

Weird, is it possible? Can he really do it? Havet encountered that for ages.....hmm no harm in giving it a try


She raised her han slowly.....pointing at Rann...focussing.....She opened her hand and made a gesture, carefully not showing anything..to anyone else

Rann....take it....NOW!


The faint beam was hardly visible....she just hoped Rann got the magicka she released


Satyana, trying to hide

She did not like the situation one bit, Rann was in danger..and Issac and all because of her.....she couldn´t take that, she had to give herself up......And just a few minutes ago they were all enjoying the freshness of that small stream.....

Slowly she went forward.....into the lights.....revealing herself to Karn


"So take me but leave the others alone"

Karn, confused

When the girl walked right up to him and asked to be taken as long as the others were unharmed, Karn was surprised. Well, it would be easier to take her willingly then by force.... He cast his gaze momentarily at the woman who had killed his bandit bowmen. Yes, that would be much easier

He looked down at her. "Very well." Karn grabbed her on the shoulder and both dissappeared. The varios minions that were in enough condition to do so, fled across the river. "Inspect those of you that remain, and realize who's missing......" His telepathic message spoke to all the group that was still consious.

Issac

The orc slammed its fist into a rock, and roared at Issac. Who had avoided the attack..... but was being afflicted by what he suspected to be broken ribs. Darn it, if only this thing wasn't so dead set on fighting.......

Suddenly the orc straightened and ran through the river, oblivious to its Altmer opponent. The other attackers were running as well. Why are they running now? The Karn's words rang through Issac's head......

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.

Sadril

"Rann," Sadril cut in before Rahvin could, seemingly trying to get on someone's nerves, "Is a lot like our Rahvin here. Witty, sharp, although with a kind of uninvolved quality among him," he went on, not completely sure if his description was correct,. "You two remind me of me when I was your age," he finished reminiscently, referring to Rahvin and Rann. The conversation was strange though. Sadril talked as if he was much older than Rahvin, which he was, but one would forget it for Sadril looked younger than him seeing as he hadn't aged in the twenty years that have passed since they last saw eachother. Sadril hadn't aged hardly at all in fact since he was infected with vampirism countless decades ago.

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?"

Sadril

Sadril stared out into space for a moment, as if looking for the answer to appear out of the sky. If this person was as dark as Rahvin made her seem to be, and Sadril's inuition was correct, "Vvardenfell, or at least somewhere east of here," he added in a lower tone, "Of course the Valus Mountains are also out to the east. We might run into something there..."

Sadril was making his estimates based off of feeling. Although he didn't come out and say it, it was apparent that he didn't have too much of an idea of where to start. He was usually drawn to dark-hearted people with a faint unexplainable magnetism though, and thusly trusted his gut instinct to move eastwardly.

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.....

Serene

She saw Rann use the magicka she offered...and the little bastarde even took more from her...she felt the drain...but that was ok....he was her grandson and she loved him deeply even if he didn´t really see it. Also he used it with excellens skill! She was indeed proud of him. She smiled....but the smile faded when he fell to the ground unconscious....

She hurried to his side.....quickly grabbing his tatto which had by then faded in glow....she put her lips to his blowing faintly her breath into him and so restored his natural energy...Satyana sacificed herself for them all..the least they could do was t try and save her....she knew that would have top priority for Rann....he cared for Satyana.....very much, and that, too, made her love him even more

Rann....wake up..you did great...but we have to hurry now...Satyana!

She then went over to see to Issac, to heal him

Satyana loves him, and he´s a good man


Satyana, captured

She had no idea what was up or down....she was just floating in some void....but at least she had draw attention from her beloved friends....and Rann...Issac..oh Issac! She elt a pang of pain in her heartt


Brianna

"I..I really like to meet him, and Satyana.....how strange it feels....never have met my children..I wonder if they will like me?"

Sadril

"So what of this other one? Amrita? Do you just forget about her because things didn't work out?" Sadril asked almost disgutingly, thinking of his own relation with his mother.