Flint Ironwood.

With the frontlines of the enemy fighting amongst themselves, Flint found the opportunity to run to the point right above Flogir where he stopped and looked down.
,,Yo, Flogir! How are you doing down there?!" He shouted. Despite the fact that he hadn't engaged in the frantic melee himself, Flint was already breathing hard.
,,Man, I'm too old for this. Heck, Flogir isn't the youngest either. I hope we'll manage to hold out."
,,If you're tired, just take a rest! You've been at it non-stop for way too long! You're not the youngest anymore, you know." He added.


Green-Root, at the breach.

Green-Root, leaned on his spear and forced himself to take long and slow breaths.
,,I hope those brainwashed bandits hold out for a while longer. I could use the lull in the fighting."

Plys'Iea

As the paralyzing bolt crossed the threshold, a piece of debris fell in its path, obscuring the witch from the hunter's sight and taking the hit. The fireball, however connected with his breastplate, the magicka lost much of its coherance on impact.

His chestplate heated slightly, and his face was only warmed a few degrees. The alien did not waste time, it crouched and braced against the lower part of the nearest wall. If the wall collapsed, then at least he might be able to push through later, in the best case, it would be largely intact and he'd have some room to manuever.
He used his armored arms to wrap around his chest, digging his head into their protection. The alien shut his eyes and calmed itself, resigning himself to whatever fate awaited him.

Karn and Ian

The Narza'Tai Sensei finally nodded his head slightly. "We shall see; I doubt our allies will be able to hold this area, it would be in the best interests of everyone present to be ready for the inevitable." He said the latter part loud enough for the others to hear.
Without offering any other explanation, the Dunmer turned and walked away. Issac looked back to the group, catching Ian's gaze. The vampire nodded, "This part of Green Emporer Way may be safe for now, but it would be naive to believe that will continue."

Brianna

When they arrived at Green Emperor Way she immediately felt uneasy, ok Satyana was there, and Ian...and then there was this other man, a man that made her feel bad, she recognized him ...sort of, but couldn't really place him. The main thing was that she had a strong feeling that man was bad news, or at least he might be. She squeezed Rahvin's hand;

"I recognize that man with the yellow eyes, he's bad news I'm afraid or at least he makes me feel awkward" she whispered.

Satyana

"You're welcome" she said shortly, then turning aside and spotted her mother, Rahvin and the vampire-girl

"Rahvin!" she shouted happily," you're here at last, I'm so happy to see you!" She started running towards him...

" Oh...and hallo mother" she added ...unaware how she actually felt about Brianna



Satyana

"I'm afraid Rann is mad at me for some reason" Satyana said silently to Rahvin, "He holds me responsible for Soldin's death" she added, hanging her head.

OCC: Since Aerona's present, is she going to come to Rann's defense, or keep her silence.

Issac

When Karn departed, he went back to Satyana's side. Issac nodded to both Rahvin and Brianna "Rann's become particularly spiteful of late, since we started doubting his hero's noble intentions. He can be a real honored user when he feels like it."

He added, "Amrita called me a hypocrite because I'm so sick and tired of Rann's attitude that I refused to apologize for thinking Altair is crooked, like most other politicians aren't, but Rann insists Altair is the herald of a new era." Issac rolled his eyes, and let out a weary sigh.

Satyana

She gently squeezed Issac's arm, in comfort..

"Hey, my love, I'm glad you will stand by me, you know that, it's just I hate to be on wrong terms with my brother..."

She pulled his head towards her and planted a kiss on his lips...

OOC: of course she is.



Aerona

"Why couldn't you apologize?" she asked Issac, caring little that his lips may have been a bit too busy to answer at the moment, "You," she said, looking around the circle to make sure that the word encompassed more than one person, "Who are supposed to be his friends, went behind his back and plotted against another person whom he considers a friend. I'm sure that each and every one of you would react the same way."

She realized that she was probably giving herself away to be the one that leaked the secret to Rann, but at this point she didn't care. She'd tell if anyone asked, and be damn proud of it.

Rahvin

When Brianna whispered to him about the yellow-eyed man, he kept silent about his suspicions. The shapeshifter seemed to be helping right now, so there were no problems. As soon as Cerpin made one wrong move, though, Rahvin would kill him.

A tense conversation about his son brought him back from his thoughts, and Rahvin suddenly realized that in their time apart, Rann had been making bitter enemies and loyal friends at the same time. He said nothing throughout the conversation, because he honestly had no idea what had happened to start this argument.

Jonathan

The building now really began to come down, and large chunks of stone fell from the upper stories and smashed with murderous force into the ground. Jonathan struggled to keep his shield up, his magicka drained from him for each precious second that the building collapsed and he stood against it. When at last he thought his strength was through, the largest of the building seem demolished and only the most local was still crumbling.

Jonathan climbed up out of the ruble that filled an oval around his now dissipated magicka shield and stood, sword in hand looking for his compatriots and the beast.

Ian

The vampire crossed his arms and studied Aerona thoughtfully. "There's no reason to apologize, Rann had no place in this before someone brought him into this."

"Devotion is any admirable trait, but if you go about it the wrong way then you do more harm than help to those you care about." As if magically, Ian's words seemed laced with wisdom and experience. If one had spoken to Kirana before she died, they would have sworn part of her was speaking through Ian at that moment.

Aerona

"Don't try to make me feel guilty. I'll be the first to admit that I told him what you all were doing! Because, despite what you may believe, he does have a place in the plans of his friends and family!"

"And what if I said that Flogir was a shapeshifter, and I had Karn's word to prove it?" she pressed, "You'd be in my place right now. Or maybe even Rann's."

Ian's words (were they really?) about devotion had struck a bit of a chord in her, but not in the way Kirana had intended. Instead of dissuading her and stealing her resolve, the comment had made her pause and think about her motives in defending Rann so strongly. The young dunmer in question had, of course, saved her from Patholos's sadistic urges, but that was only half the reason.

"Besides," she kept on, pointing up to the walls, "Look at Altair right now, trying to fit into his new position and doing a fine job at it. That mer's doing more for our cause than any of us right now."

She suddenly looked around quickly, reminded by her own speech that there were more important things at hand. Spotting a few wounded that she thought she could help, she decided to excuse herself.

"I plan to follow his example," she ended the argument with an impudent curtsy before making her way towards the wall where most of the wounded laid.

Rann

The last thing Rann cared about at that moment was any petty squabble over his attitude. He watched in horror as the building collapsed on top of Dan, Jonathan, and even worse, his very sister. There was a white cloud of dust around the building that Rann's vision could never hope to penetrate, and he could do nothing but pray to any and every god that they would survive.

Rann climbed down from his rooftop perch as fast as he could, hoping to find no less than three survivors. The Plys'Iea was far from his mind as he ran towards the pile of debris that had once been a building. Arriving on the scene, he found Jonathan standing alone atop the rubble.

"Where are they? Did you see my sister?"

Amrita

After Rann asked his final question, a dusty arm poked out from the debris. A faint muffled voice was heard.

"A little help? It's getting hard to breathe under this," Amrita said before breaking into a fit of coughing.

OCC: How much longer will the Army hold the walls?

Ian

As Aerona left, Ian shook his head in a tired, exasperated fashion. "I kill the King of Worms and offer to talk to her about her problems with vampirism, Altair I have yet to see since we got here. Who gets their admiration and respect? The politician that has been skulking about while the rest of us are doing the fighting and dying......."

The vampire examined one one of his wristblades and muttered dryly. "I remember Astratus' words about the joint command that Altair wasn't supposed to be a military officer...... The frontlines seem like an odd place for an aristocratic politician with a grand new plan for the future, he could end up dead and never be able to come through with them...."

OOC: till wednesday.

Green-Root.

The last of the converted bandits fell. As one, the defenders took up their weapons again.
,,So much for a break." Green-Root muttered and stabbed at the first Nord that got within the reach of his spear. The jagged tip pierced the furs, the flesh and the bones as if it was wet paper, tearing the heart in two. The barbarian fell, only to be replaced by another one.
,,Kill one, and two more take his place. Curses!"

Jonathan Constantine

Jonathan coughed as he went to answer, "Sister? Satyana you mean?" He said slightly perplexed as the only of Rann's sibling Jonathan had met had been Satyana.

It was then an arm poked up amongst the rubble. "Well sister or not, theres someone under here" He removed the more manageable pieces around the trapped individual.

Satyana

"I'll be the first to apologize if that can make me on good terms with my brother again" she sighed, "But I wonder if it will help though" she continued, looking at Rahvin for support

Brianna

So well she knew Rahvin, she was certain he knew the yellow-eyed man but not revealing anything. So you are weary, my dear, you will kill him if he makes a wrong move, now what move might that be? I...I think I can guess though...

Brianna gave a faint smile and then turned to Satyana;

"I'm glad to see you girl and that you're well"


Satyana

"Rann! wait, I will help you! Ahhhhhhrrgggg....I'M SORRY for Nirn's sake! Will you PLEASE forgive me!"



Satyana

She swirled around when she heard the so familiar voice...

"Jonathan!!!! You are back....how wonderful to see you again!....But I think it's our other sister Rannie means!"

Jonathan Constantine

"Speak of the bleeding devil, Satyana, its been too long." He said with a smile, albeit his mind wandered over his appearance. Or lack there off.

Dan

OOC: I suppose you're talking about my character's hand right?

Dan couldn't really remember what had happened. After warning the others of the creature's intentions, Dan tried to catch up with Amrita, who was already pursuing the beast, yet the building had already started collapsing by then. With all of his speed, Dan ran for the hole in the wall where the drunk man had stumbled after being hit by a chair hurled by the alien.

Whatever hapened afterwards, Dan couldn't remember. All he knew now was that he was bleeding and covered with white dust and small pieces of masonry. His shoulder was badly bruised and he felt a sharp pain in his head. He was also mostly covered by ruined masonry of various sizes. A particularly heavy slab of marble was resting on his right leg. When he tried to move it he felt great pain and immediately stopped. Because one of his hands wasn't as covered with rubble as the rest of his body was, he raised it sightly. As the white and bruised limb emmerged from the rubble, he could hear the familiar voice of the drunk man.

I really have to find out this man's name. If I make it, that is. I've survived stabbings, sword cuts, club hits to the head and my tongue being cut off after a severe beating. A collapsed building can't bring me down, surely. Have faith old man, you'll grow to be sixty yet.

OOC: it was actually Amrita's hand they were talking about, but there can always be more than one!

Amrita

As Jonathan began moving around the loose pieces of masonry, one revealed the dusty head of Amrita. Her hair was speckled with the stuff and she coughed furiously as fresh air entered her lungs.

Finally clearing her throat she nodded to the stranger. "Thank you, but I think I can handle the rest of this myself now that I can see what I'm doing."

Gesturing her hands to the rubble surrounding her, Amrita launched a telekinetic spell that allowed her to climb through the rubble much easier. Once once, she began to furiously beat her clothes clean.

"So... you think we got that thing?" she asked casually with a grin. She didn't see that he paralysis spell has missed.

Jonathan

"Not sure" Jonathan said, stepping back from the telekinetic control rocks, "The few looks I got of that thing before the building collapsed proved that it was a bit tougher then anyone one of us individually.. I don't know, lets be on our guard anyhow."

He glanced around the building trying to find everyone, Rann, (now) Satyana, the wizard,.. "and that other peculiar man.. the telepath" The last person was by the hole that Jonathan was thrown through earlier covered in a fair amount of debris but appeared to be helping himself well.

"Need a hand, my good sir?"

Dan

"If you don't mind, yes, a hand would be very...welcome" Dan said telepathically from beneath the rubble.

Despite his headache and his bleeding and all the bruises he had acquired from the building almost collapsing on him, Dan had an advantage in that he could communicate as if he were perfectly well through his telepathy. Because of the pain, the message might have gotten out a little mixed up but other than that the tonality was perfect.

After being helped up and dusting himself, Dan realized that his leg was most probably broken, judging by the excruciating pain he felt when walking on it. If only he had a tongue, his cries of pain would have probably been heard from the top of the White Gold tower. Because he didn't, all that could be heard were a few groans and moans.

"What is your name, brave warrior?" Dan asked, wearily, as he looked around for a piece of wood to use as a crutch.

OOC: It's wednesday, so let's get started. Dan should find a healer quick though.


Silhouette.

The Silhouette felt satisfaaction as he watched the struggle from afar. While the defenders held their lines valiantly, they fell one after the other. And what was more important, they were growing tired and demoralized. Now was the time.

He made a broad sweeping gesture with his hand.
,,Now, all troops...ATTACK!" He ordered and like a large wave of gold, the Akaviri snakes began their charge, howling their battlecries. Before them, the bandits, the few remaining goblins and a troll or two pressed the attack harder out of fear for being cut down from behind by the bloodthirsty Akaviri.


Green-Root

Green-Root's breath came in ragged gasps as he plunged his spear into an Orsimer, nearly falling together with the green giant. He leaned on his spear and somehow managed to brace himself. He was wounded, in multiple places and the bloodloss was taking its toll. If his spear hadn't been so outrageously sharp, he would have died long before now at the hands of one lucky assailant who survived the first blow.

,,Get a healer and come back later. You're no good leaking like this." A Dunmer said somewhere to his right. The Argonian felt touched. He would have been able to expect such words from a Bruman or even an Imperial, but never from a Dunmer. His feelings of gratitude were shortlived though, as the soldier was taken down by five goblins ganging up on him. He threw himself at the group, swinging his spear wildly, cutting down three while the remaining two ran for safety. He tripped over the Dunmer's corpse and struck the ground. He knew he wasn't going to get up again. He barely felt the axe that cleaved his spine.
,,If I'd been sane, I would have run. But I'm not. I asked Karn the favour of fighting at the front because it would be my end. Heh, not a bad way to go...for a robber."

His consciousness was fading rapidly now. The last thing he felt was that someone bent down to take his spear. The same one who'd struck the deathblow with his axe. If he'd had the strenght for it, he would have laughed.


OOC: Ya know, maybe this is the moment where Altair signals the trumpets to blow the 'get your behinds to the breach on the double, ya lazy good for nothing rats of an army!' signal. Ya know, to further his 'I'm the leader, vote me for Emperor!' plan? Ya know, I use 'ya know' way too much now, ya know?

Narza'Tai

As the lesser foes pressed the attack against the breach, serveral dozen Narza'Tai appeared from thin air on their flanks. Before the Akaviri could close the distance, the assassins slaughtered the bandits, goblins, and others while they were still running at the Morrowind Army.

The attack was over as soon as it had begun, only one assassin remained for a moment. He glanced at Flogir and Flint, he shook his head, this isn't worth it. Between the gesture and the wave of golden Akaviri, the assassin's point was clear, a retreat needed to be called or this would turn into a one-sided rout with them on the wrong side.....

Jonathan Constantine

Jonathan smiled and chuckled slightly before answering, "I am Jonathan Constantine, son of Algren Constantine. And I am no brave warrior." He motioned to the surrounding "heroes", "These are your brave warriors, I am but a cowardly drunk." His smile faded, his departure from the party plaguing him for the past months. "I had to though! Altec was mine, he was my target damn't! And I made him pay.. Oh yes did I did."

Jonathan sheathed his sword and placed his hands upon the broken parts of the leg. "Ybén hétén ówerpé fóen hëten ínenë, éndmí hëten rocenbé ndáen ácëmú gáínath nëwáth" A feint white light engulfed the warriors leg, mended the bones. Jonathan let the light fade and took a step back, unconsciously wiping his hands together. "I am also no priest, so you might want to see Satyana about the leg before making sure that creature is dead."

OOC: I hope you're not irritated, MM, but someone had to call the retreat and I prefer to let the official commander do it rather than some old bozo with a bow.

Flint Ironwood.

Flint looked at the rolling wave of glistening scales with a distinct feeling of dread. Up till now, they'd been fighting scum, an uncoördinated mob. And it had taken all their strenght to do it and come up on top against those numbers. But now, they were facing something else entirely. The battlecires were as varied as ever, but their was a deadly grace in the movements of both the individual and the pack as a whole. This was no mob, but a professional army.
,,Oh man, we are so screwed." He muttered and nocked an arrow.

,,Retreat!" Flint looked down. Flogir. He looked out over the walls and then nodded at the group of archers. While he was just an anonymous warrior to them, he had somehow become their unofficial leader. Inwardly, he allowed himself a wry grin.
,,It has to be the age. Cripes, I'm one of the oldest fellas on the battlefield here." He thought.
,,Alright, you heard the chief. Let's fall back. Carry everything you can, leave behind what you can't.

The archers slid down the ladders and dashed through the streets for the next wall. Flint was last to come. He lobbed a fireball over his shoulder at the stash of sacrificed equipment and then leapt clear across the street to the wall behind the Trebuchets. He dropped Aleatoire on the ground between his feet and got his quiver within easy reach. Odrik and his men were already packing their engines. The first one rolled through the gate when Flint landed.
,,Need help? There's not much time!" The Breton called down but the Bruman waved him off.
,,No need for it! We're experts at packing. Let us handle it, you go get yourself placed with that peashooter of yours." Odrik called back.

,,It's a bow, not a peashooter." Flint replied, laughing. Odrik was laughing as well.
,,Hah, bows are for wimps. A real man takes a man-sized stone and a launching implement the size of a house!"

Flogir

The mass of enemies was becoming unbearable for the phalanx of spears. And Flogir could hear the battlecries of the Akaviri. At their current position, he knew they wouldn't last long. They needed a solid wall between them and the enemy.

"Fighting retreat!" Flogir issued. "Fall back to the next district!"

Altair

Altair, from his vantage point atop the wall, could see that the Akaviri were preparing for their largest assault yet. Cursing underneath his breath, he motioned for another volley of arrows to be unleashed on the snake-men.

"First two lines, I want you off this wall! Report to Flogir for your orders!" he shouted after hearing Flogir's call for a retreat.

As the third and fourth lines became the first and second, Altair waved his hand and another volley shot down at their enemies. Over the next couple of minutes, Altair sent all of his forces except for the final line down to Flogir, waiting to make sure that the rest of the force could retreat safely before he pulled the final defense from the district.

Rann

Rann heaved a sigh of relief when both Dan and Amrita emerged from the heap of rubble, but after hearing the battle sounds become louder and louder, Rann started to look over his shoulder towards the Green Emperor Way every few seconds.

"I think something's happening over there," he remarked, "Now that we've taken care of that thing we can try to help out."

Aerona

Aerona made herself useful by trying her best to heal those injured at the breach. It was hard work, both because of the severe injuries and the strong, distracting scent of blood that permeated the air. There were quite a few injured spread out on the ground around her, and as she heard the call for a retreat, she prayed that these brave soldiers wouldn't be forgotten.

Just to ensure that such a tragedy did not occur, she spotted Flogir in the midst of battle and ran to him.

"Don't forget those injured over there!" she shouted to the nord over the din of battle. Barely had the words excaped her mouth before the massive army of snake-men hit the breach with all of their strength, making it painfully obvious that there wasn't much time before this district was overrun with the scaly swordsmen.

Rahvin

"It's time to go," he said matter-of-factly as he heard the sounds for retreat and saw the tcaesi begin to break through the wall.

Brianna

"Coming!" she answered, "I´ll just finish this" she made the last touch to heal a severe chest-wound on one of the injured soldiers


Satyana

"I can´t leave, there are too many who need my help" she muttered, continuing the healing

Issac

"Satyana, this isn't the time." He said, watching as the Morrowind Army began their retreat. It wouldn't be long until this very place would be swarming with Akaviri, and there was no way Satyana could save all these soldiers.

There were at least seven soldiers other than the one Satyana was patching up now, Issac knew his lover wouldn't leave these people...... alive anyway. Issac began to unsheath his katana, but stopped as a Narza'Tai mage appeared.

Are they psychic, or are they just that intelligent to know when they are needed? The mage unsheathed a dagger, Issac could see the poison coating it. Methodically, the mage pricked the soldiers in the jugular artery, the poison entering their bloodstream quickly and effectively.
As soon as the point entered their necks, the soldiers began to calm, shut their eyes and relax their breathing. As Satyana finished with the one soldier, the mage approached the three of them. "Come," he said, reaching out both hands for them to grasp.

Flogir

Flogir head twitched momentarily to spot Aerona and as he dispatched a bandit that broke through, he picked up the Dunmer's words. Making a hand gesture that he heard and returned his attention back to the soldiers.

"All right lads, I want the fourth line to assist in removing the injured..." he then spotted what Issac and one of the assassins were doing to those that appeared to be beyond helping. He swallowed hard, knowing that such things were necessary under dire situations. "I also must insist that you give a quick passing to those who are beyond help. Who knows what those bastards will do to them otherwise," he forced out, gesturing to the oncoming mob.

Sinyaramen Fenasim, Cloud Ruler

The room was sparsely lit by a small lantern. On the table, the open scroll's writing was cast in an orange light. Beyond it, everything was swallowed up by the shadows. There was a man sitting at the table, hunched over the scroll so much, that he nearly cast his own shadow upon the writing.

The only door leading to the library opened, letting in a fresh sliver of light. The man at the table instantly looked up at the intrusion on his sanctuary.
,,What is it, Blade? You should know better than to interupt a wiser man's studies." He snapped. The Blade wasn't surprised at the angry response. Instead, he merely walked over and put down a plate on the scroll.
,,Your lunch, scholar." He said.

The scholar now realized his stomach was growling.
,,How long has it been? And where is my servant? Why would a Blade come and bring me food?" He asked, still in his snappy tone. The Blade shrugged and began his walk back to the door.
,,It has been 24 hours exactly since your last meal. And the servant isn't here because we have news for you." He stopped at the door.
,,We are preparing for war. All outsiders must leave Cloud Ruler. You have two days." The door closed.


Flint Ironwood, the next defensive line.

Flint saw the killing of the wounded. He grit his teeth but did not rush to intervene.
,,Gods know I'd probably kill them myself if I tried to jump them to safety. Dammit." He closed his eyes and counted to ten in an effort to calm down. If he wished to survive this war, he should keep his head cool.

Karn

The sewers were a mess of activity as the Narza'Tai moved to pack up. Karn stopped a mage as he crossed the threshold. "Take two teams and get Astratus out of his cell; he can't be left behind." There was no nod, no bow, the mage simply departed to fullfill her task.

The sensei looked around as his followers wrapped things up. I need to discuss with the Nord Commander where we need to retreat to, but it definitely won't be anywhere South or East..... Karn turned and walked back to the surface, aiming to locate Flogir in the retreat.

Flogir

Flogir felt a sense of pride in his men as their organized retreat was flowing nicely. The front lines were holding off the brunt of the attackers while the rest were retreating with order and speed.

Flogir stood relatively in the middle of both actions, hoping to orchestrate both endeavors at the same time. It was then that he noticed Karn striding into view. By the fact that the Dunmer started heading directly to him once eye contact was made, Flogir knew that the assassin wanted to speak with him.

"I don't really have time to talk to you, Karn," Flogir said coldly before Karn could open his mouth, "I'm sorta in the middle of a retreat."

Dan

Dan grit his teeth as he felt the bones in his leg returning to their original position. Any man would have screamed because of the pain, or at least whimpered, but not Dan. The fact that he didn't have a tongue to scream with helped. After the short process was over, Dan gave a nod to Constantine.

"My name is Dan and I give thanks, Jonathan son of Algren for you have my gratitude from now on. Hopefully, my leg will heal in time for me to help if the enemy tries to take the breach once more. My blade yearns to sing once more. Now, where is that priest you mentioned? I need to know when I can fight once more." Dan said telepathically, smiling as he did.

Karn

He ignored the cold tone and replied. "I'm curious, where exactly do you want to retreat to? The Imperial City is unlikely to be where this war will ultimately be decided."

Aerona

Aerona's jaw dropped as she witnessed a Narza'Tai mage methodically laying to rest many of the injured. Even more amazing was Issac and Flogir's obvious approval. When Flogir stopped noticing that she was there, she realized that a half-starved vampire girl had no say in this battle unless someone wanted her to. As Karn approached, Aerona ran back towards the injured.

She arrived just as the fourth line did, and she assisted in helping to move the wounded. If anyone made a move towards an injured man, though, Aerona swore that she would stop it.

Rann

"We really should be going back," Rann commented. He was becoming uneasy, as the sounds of battle had gotten progressively louder since they'd been standing there.

Rahvin

Rahvin broke from the group to also assist fourth line in their task. He slung one injured dunmer over his shoulder and began following the rest of the army for retreat/

Dan

As Dan struggled to stay on his feet he noticed that Rann was getting more and more nervous as time passed. Despite he still felt an ammount of pain in his leg, he had bandaged his head to prevent any further bleeding and he almost felt no pain coming from his head. Grasping his crutch, he prepared to leave. Despite the near perfect silence around them, Dan could slightly hear the sounds of battle nearby. Steel clashing with steel, men screaming and blood being spilled, things Dan was all too used to. This time however, he had friends on his side. Friends who could hold their own just as well as he could, or even better. In the past, Dan would have to rely on only himself when working as a mercenary for either merchant caravans or the bandits attacking them.

"Judging by the sounds coming from all around us, it seems that our enemies haven't waited for us before charging the breach once more. We should return to our friends and help them with whatever they may deem useful, be it sword or spell." Dan said telepathically, trying to say what everyone was probably thinking.

OOC: I'm too lazy to checkup the setup of all the districts of the Imperial City, so I'm just winging this, the bridge is destroyed right? So that leaves the Northwest as the only "true" exit. Maybe we should just break down a wall in one of the others and flee through that when we need to?

Flogir

"We're retreating to the next Northern district. The walls are still in good condition there and hopefully we can reestablish a defense. If not, we're going to need to find a way out..." he trailed off as the thought dawned on him. He returned to focusing on the retreat.


Amrita

Amrita finished brushing the last speck of dust off her clothing. "Well, let's not keep them waiting them brother. We got enemies to kill."

Jonathan Constantine

"I'm a lover, not a fighter.." Jonathan mumbled in response to the call to rejoin the battle. He began creeping towards the sounds of battle, and stealing a peek before rushing in.

Rann

Rann led the way, being the first to walk back the way they came. When they got back to the Green Emperor Way, it was not the safe haven they had left. Soldiers ran to and fro, some carrying wounded, some carrying supplies, and some carrying nothing but messages. It was obvious that they were all preparing for retreat. The soldiers at the breach were performing well, but it was only a matter of time before the tsaeci started pouring into the district. Rann spotted Flogir and headed in his direction.

"We killed that thing," he reported, "Any orders for us?" he asked, wanting to know what the plan was and where he fit in.

Altair

Altair kept looking to Flogir for some sort of signal or message, but none came. It seemed that the nord had become engrossed in the troubles surrounding the breach that he'd forgotten about Altair's men at the wall. He decided to go speak with his co-commander in person.

"You," he said, pulling the leading archer from the rest of his men, "Are in command until I return. Don't you dare let these men down."

With a salute and an enthusiastic "Yes, Sir!" the soldier immediately took charge.

"Hold...hold...NOW!" he shouted, giving the signal to fire and watching as dozens of snake-men were mowed down.

Altair was satisfied with the soldier's commanding abilities and left the wall to speak with Flogir.

"Flogir!" he called, ignoring Rann's presence in light of the seriousness of the situation, "I don't have enough men at the wall to hold it for much longer. I've ordered all but two of my lines to aid in the retreat. If we want those two lines alive, we need to hurry and abandon this district."

Karn

He glanced at Rann and Altair for a few moments then said. "Before the siege, the Narza'Tai made rafts, they should be of sufficient size to carry twenty men each as well as supplies. As for the others, some of my mages can teleport them to the safety of the Northern shore of Lake Rumare."

"What I'm more interest in is where we go after evacuating." He met Flogir's gaze. "These men are well-trained, but they will take time to move from location to location. If we come up with a destination later it will be too late and the army will have to move and fight all the way north or west."

Ian

The vampire approached the group; he heard the question of where to go after leaving the city. As Kirana didn't have to bother with mundane tasks assosiated with having a body, she was able to think faster than her vampire host. "Cloud Ruler Temple would be a good option, it's the most well-fortified structure in all of Cyrodiil."

"Agreed, if we can get there," Ian replied. "We could head north, Cloud Ruler Temple isn't far from Bruma. It also has only one entrance, and I don't think Akavir are very adept at climbing fifty feet of ladder required to scale the walls."
"The problem lies only in getting there before the Akaviri overtake us." The vampire glanced at the men gathered around.

Flint Ironwood.

Flint shot off his first arrow, only to see that he was still too far away to strike at the Akaviri.
,,Well, that's what you get when you're used to the good ole telekinetic barrage. Physical projectiles are just too gravitationally challenged." He muttered and jumped down the roof he was on. He was not going to just stand back and wait. The Breton figured there was still time for him to reach the first wall and fire a shot or two from there.

He ran past Flogir, who seemed to be in a heavy debate with a couple of people. Flint skidded to a halt and glanced over his shoulder.
,,Well, I'll be. It's the annoying duplicating guy." He thought as he turned and jogged over to Flogir. He now noticed other familiar faces as well. Altair, Rann, Ian, Amrita...his eyes rested on what appeared to be a filthy drunk for a while. He looked familiar, but Flint couldn't put his finger on it right now. He shrugged. It could wait.

He kept himself quiet and listened to the conversation first before formulating his opinion as well.
,,Ok, a temple near Skyrim? I don't know any temples that can withstand a siege, but I'll trust your judgement on this on. So basically, the problem lies in making sure the killerhappy snakes don't take us in the back before we get settled." He spoke and fell silent again.
,,How about...the more destructively inclined among us topple every single tree we can find in our wake. You said they have trouble climbing, what with no legs and their tail not being flexible enough for any really delicate stuff. They'd either have to get over the logs, or around them, either of which costs them time. while mister duplicate here gets his...well, duplicates, to run around and cause general distractions." He added after a second.
,,But well, that's my idea. I'll leave it up to you guys. I'm off to shoot a few of the scaly ones. See ya." He ran off again.


Sinyaramen Fenasim, Cloud Ruler.

Sin gazed at the pile of books he'd stacked on the table.
,,If I try to get away with that, those Blades will hack my head off and turn it into a cup. Lousy barbarians." He scoffed and took off his glasses. He mulled over his dilemma while cleaning the optical tools with his handkerchief.
,,Two days. I wonder how many books I could throw down the toilet in those two days? Sure they'd get awfully dirty and stinky, but no one ever bothers to check the pile of dung outside at the end of the tunnel." He mumbled, placed his glasses back on his nose and ran a finger across the topmost book.
,,Hmmh, the toilet exit is rather small, barely large enough to stick a hand through. This won't fit. I need something else, something quick....something disastrous." He began to grin.
,,What if a storm came out of nowhere, ripped away the roof with a convenient thunderbolt, then whisked away a few books? Heh, brilliant! I am a genius!" His grin turned sour.
,,Oh no, the rain would ruin the pages. Ah, blast it!"

Dan

Dan had been following the group in a rather painful manner. It was hard to keep up with the rest of his comrades who had suffered little to no wounds after the building had collapsed. Dan however gritted his teeth and went on, trying to follow. When they all eventually stopped, their group had reached Green Emperor Way. The once beautiful gardens were now teeming with activity, supplies being carried, barricades being erected, weapons being passed around, wounded being cared for. Dan could barely have recognized the old Imperial Gardens of Green Emperor Way for they had been turned into one great military encampment.

Close by, Dan could notice that Rann and his sister were arguing with a group of people, some of which Dan could slightly remember. One of them was the commander of the host, to whom Dan had gone when he enlisted in the army to protect the city. He could also recognize the old Breton mage who had aided him in his first fight with the alien beast. Warily, Dan approached the group which, in his eyes at least, appeared to be the senior officers of the army. He listened closely and watched as they tried to decide what their choices were. Some proposed evacuating the city and retreating North or West. Some advised against it. After a while of fierce arguing, the name Cloud Ruler Temple was proposed. It seemed that many of the leaders agreed. The Breton mage even proposed a method to hamper the progress of the enemy host.

In his sell-sword days, Dan had spent many a week in the wilderness near Cloud Ruler Temple, either protecting merchants or hunting them. He knew that the old fortress was as impregnable as could be yet he had doubts that it could support an army as big as the one stationed in the Imperial City. Trying to help in the argument, Dan lent his own voice to the already growing crowd of voices. His voice had the advantage that it could be heard in the heads of all the people arguing.

"My lords...my lords, if you are so kind as to listen to my own humble words. I have been near Cloud Ruler before. It is truly an impressive example of masonry, yet I doubt that it could feed an army the size of ours. If we could truly get our whole force to Cloud Ruler with little losses, then the enemy could starve us out before actually throwing themselves upon the walls. I would advise splitting our forces, my lords. We could station our lighter troops and skirmishers in and around Bruma. They could harass our foes as they make their way towards Cloud Ruler. That could also lend us more time to properly set up defences. Then, when the enemy realize that the skirmishers are only trying to delay them, they would surely come to Cloud Ruler. There, we will show them that we people of Tamriel don't wield words where swords speak truer." Dan said in a grand manner, trying to match his style of speech to the one he thought his so called 'lords' would use.

Plys'Iea, breaking out

The pile of rumble did not stir for half an hour, but suddenly a staff shot through the surface. The weapon retreated and then smashed outward again, shattering a large piece of masonry. Through the cloud of dust a large four-fingered hand grabbed another large piece of rubble.

The hunter hauled himself from the so-called "tomb," he let out a defiant shriek that echoed throughout the city. He favored a thin gash running along the back of his neck, a minor wound and annoyance. In the distance he could see the Morrowind Army hurrying about their retreat.
During the last half hour he'd rested to recover his strength from the earlier days of fighting. Now that he was free and believed to be dead, none of the enemy would be prepared for his reemergence. Silently, the hunter stalked off, aiming to flank the army to the north.

Flogir

Flogir stuck his hands out in front of him, warding off the bombardment of questions and theories. "One at a time people, I can't take a sudden rush like this," he said in an annoyed fashion.

"Altair," he bega, turning to his co-commander, "I'm moving our troops to the district north of us, we're going to be fighting the whole way back so in order to get the very last men through I'm going to need basically all your archers to ward off the enemy and get those men through the gates. I suggest you move those last two lines soon then."

"Rann, it's good to hear that beast will no longer hamper us. I want you and those with you to help with the retreat in whatever way possible. I intend to make a small stand there while we get the evacuation set up."

"Karn, I would've appreciated such information sooner, but I still believe we have enough time to work with this. Get those rafts to the district we're going to. I have a feeling we might need to tear down a wall to get to the lake, but we'll see once we get there."

He nodded to the mute. "You bring sound advice about Cloud Ruler. With some of our forces in Bruma, they'll have a hard time sacking the city. If we get lucky, we might be able to sandwich their army in the pass."

"I just have one last question though. How are we going to defeat the Silhouette itself? Nothing appears to hurt it. I have a feeling that even without the army, the Silhouette itself could very well destroy us..."

OCC: Would Dan be able to notice Kirana's presence in Ian's mind?

Karn

"I'll leave finding out how to kill the Silhoutte to you all," the Dunmer muttered as he departed. From the steadily growing shadows, several Narza'Tai assassins appeared and flanked their leader.

Ian

He glanced at Karn as the dunmer left to marshal his followers. "While he hasn't said so yet, I'm sure Karn will have many Narza'Tai helping provide cover for us on our way to Cloud Ruler. Hit and run is more their area of expertise and preference."

The vampire didn't seem surprised that the newcomer had been able to speak directly to his mind. Having the constant mind-to-mind intimacy with Kirana made him used to the experience. The latter stirred slightly, "I wonder if this man can detect me......"
"I don't know, but I don't think it should be bothersome whether or not he can."

OOC: Dan can't read minds but he can feel the presence of other telepaths, if slightly.

Dan

After Dan gave his own oppinion, the commander, Flogir, started replying to everything that had just been said. He was obviously trying to find a solution. What interested Dan the most was what was said to his comrade Rann. Since he was one of the few who Dan knew, Dan considered him some kind of a friend, if not a leader. When the commander told Rann that he and those following him should assist in the retreat, Dan grasped the hilt of his sword, as if to prepare for what was to come. After bandying some more petty words with the other commanders, the commander seemed to appreciate Dan's advice. Afterwards however, the commander raised the problem of the enemy leader. To this question, none truly had an answer. A shady Dunmer left after a few moments of tense silence.

Hm, there's something odd about that fellow. I don't quite feel that he's to be trusted. And that other one, the one with a wolfish look about him who proposed that we head to Cloud Ruler, there's something not quite right about him either. Oh well, I guess that's what you get when you meddle in the affairs of lords.

"If there is nothing amiss I shall take my leave, lords. In any further duties I shall follow Lord Rann, for he has proved courageous beyond measure when faced with great perils. Farewell." Dan said with a slight bow as he took a few steps back and slowly went to Rann, struggling with his broken leg.

Rann was listening intently to the questions and words being thrown about by the men present in the group and he didn't seem really atentive when Dan slowly came behind him.

"What now?" Dan asked as he looked intently at the Dunmer.

Altair

"As for the matter of the Silhouette," Altair said, acknowledging Dan with a nod instead of words, "I think there is something we should consider."

"As some of you may know, I used to serve Ocato (god rest his soul) as his chief advisor in the realm of magic. As such, I had access to a large part of the Imperial Library. Once, my assistant Voltar and I came across a tome that described a spell that I think could prove useful in ridding this continent of the Silhouette. If you have no objections, Flogir, I'd like to take a few hours leave to find the tome and perfect the spell. Afterwards, I'll need a few volunteers to go with me into enemy lines and fight against its leader. If I do that though, I will need someone to take my place on the wall."

Rann

"Let's go," he answered Dan vaguely, "I'm sure we'll find something to do."

Rann was discouraged by the fact that Dan was a telepath, since there was no chance that anyone missed the 'Lord Rann' comment, and he figured it would be some time before he lived that one down. He was slightly embarrassed by the comment, not only because he wasn't a Lord of any kind, but because it reminded him of what happened a few months ago, when the others wanted him to be some sort of leader. Now, just like then, he wanted nothing to do with responsibility.

After they'd walked a short distance away, Rann brought it up to Dan, "I'm no Lord, you know. Just 'Rann' is fine."

Dan

After leaving the group which resumed discussing other matters, both petty and great, Dan strived to follow Rann but his broken leg was making matters rather difficult. Hopefully, he could now find a proper healer that could use a more suitable healing spell that could mend his broken bones fully. Afterwards, he could be free to resume fighting. By the way things were going, it seemed that Dan would most likely resume fighting at the side of his new companion, Rann. After a few minutes of silence, Rann spoke. He seemed not to like the 'lord' title that Dan had given him earlier. After a few more moments of silence, Dan responded.

"I understand. I myself am no great fan of such hierarchy, but I knew not how to adress the people gathered there. In my previous encounters with military factions, they all adressed each other in very formal fashion so I supposed these men would enjoy the same of me. I shall not call you that way ever again, from now on you shall only be 'Rann'. Since you seemed to know those men however, who exactly are they? Generals? Captains? It is not in my nature to ask such questions, but in this case it would be useful." Dan asked, focusing his telepathic message on Rann and Rann alone.

Hm, a man who dislikes stiff, formal hierarchy. A man truly to my heart. Hopefully, he will enlighten me regarding those two odd fellows, the shadowy Dunmer and the wolfish-looking Imperial. I sense we will deal with them in the future.

Flint Ironwood.

There were still two lines of archers holding up the walls. Seeing no need to present himself as a solitary target, Flint slipped in between them and stopped at the first open spot. He pulled back the string, took aim and released the arrow with a bit of a frown. The sharp projectile arced down at one of the Akaviri, who merely swung his sword and batted it away like a fly.
,,Damn it! These critters are fast with their hands!" He cursed.

When he reached back into his quiver for another arrow, the Breton noticed his arm was shaking. He sighed but still drew another arrow and tried again. The shaking intensified when he pulled back the string, to the point that the arrow went wide off and landed a stonesthrow from the snakemen's left flank.
,,I don't have enough strength in my arms to wield this thing. Dammit!"

Satyana

"Ok, then" she took Issac´s hand and followed him,
What will happen to us? Will we really survive this?



Brianna

Looking at the injured and noticing Rahvin´s actions, Brianna sighed and stood motionless for a second. Then she spotted a young dunmer, not more than a child really, who obviously was in pain. She decided it was no time for a healing-process so she took a deep breath and did like Rahvin...flung him over his shoulder. The young dunmer was a bit heavier than she expected, her knees bent but with a groan she stumbled after Rahvin....

I can do this,.....I can...I can

Flogir

Flogir's disposition brightened at his co-commander's news. "A spell you say? Well it's at least worth a try, might be the only one we get but it's the only thing we got. You have my full endorsement to go seek the spell," Flogir said enthusiastically.

"As for your replacement..." he started as he began to scan across the group. Flint would've made a good given his perchance with range combat, but he was off all ready fighting. The rest, he wasn't sure about. Just then, Amrita stepped forward, a ploy to further the group's trust forming in her head.

"I'll be Altair's replacement," she said and revealed her crossbows, "I know a thing or two about archery and I've been around Altair long enough to know how to command and issue orders. It'll look like he never left, trust me," she finished, flashing a dark grin.

Flogir sighed, he didn't know the third sibling well but she provided good credentials. "Fine, the position is yours. Get up there. As for the rest of you, see to it that you stay alive and get this retreat moving smoothly."

With that Flogir nodded to the group and returned to ordering the troops.