Cyldreen woke up early in the morning in his hammock. Yawning and stretching, he jumped to his feet and glanced at his surroundings. In front of his 'bed' was the door that lead into halls, and to his right was a simple drawer.

He went to the latter, and scooped up a brown pants and a gray sleeveless tunic. He wore them on and slipped on his flip-flops, then went to the exit.

I wonder how many miles we are from Seyda Neen? Better ask the Captain on that one, I guess. And my gear, too. That smith should repair it like it was brand new, or I'm gonna use my flippy-floppies as brass knuckles!

As he passed and glanced at many rooms that held snoring prisoners, he failed to see an old, but muscled, man in his way.
They bumped on each other, and the force of it knocked Cyldreen down.

"I'm sorry good, sir, I wasn't paying attention." the Breton apologised, while at the same time hauling himself up.

Riden awoke with Tess by his side.

'Great...I'm still on this boat...' he thought.

Tess looked up from her hammock and smiled, "Come back in bed, we're not there yet you know."

He shook his head, "No, gotta check up with the Captain."

Riden walked away from Tess who was going to follow him. He passed by prisoners. Some were up and banging on the steel bars of the cell while others were still asleep.

Tess grumbled and followed Riden to the Captains Chamber. Riden readied his small Hidden Blade, just in case a prisoner gets any bright ideas.

OOC: I'd actually planned to have Kaye be one of the prisoners, but seeing as how he's the one who fits the description of old best, I guess I'll have him be the bumpee (though he isn't noticably muscled, ah well.)

Kaye coughed as he regathered his wits.
"I'm sorry, good sir." Someone said, most likely to him. The Redguard rubbed his head as he sat there on the damp floor of the ship. Already unstable simply by being on a crude collection of wood, copper, rope and cloth, the surprise of trying to pass through a doorway at the same moment as someone else was more then enough to send himself falling backwards where he hit his head. Kaye was grateful that the floor was made out of wood softened by the many bugs burrowing tunnels within it rather than say, marble. There was a slight ringing in his ears and a mighty headache building up, but at least he wasn't bleeding.

"It is no problem, sir. My fall is due to no fault of your own. Rather, blame these landlocked legs of mine that can't keep standing when everything moves and shakes like the trees in a stiff breeze." He grunted as he stumbled back onto his feet, reaching out for the doorway to support himself. The old man couldn't help but notice the faint trembling of his hand gripping the wood.
"I need a drink and solid ground before I puke my guts out." He thought to himself.

"Ah, I would be feeling so much better when we arrive at port. Regardless, how are you fairing, sir? No bruises or other injuries I hope?"

OCC: I planned the muscled man to be Tristan, but Zalph's not ON. Ah, well.




"Other than the fact that my head feels like it suffered a stampede by Minotaurs? I'm healthy like an obese mare, if you can call obese healthy that is." Cyldreen voice became light-hearted, while at the same time sarcastic.

He looked the man in front of him up and down. An old Redguard wearing mismatched clothes. During his years as a spy, it required him to know people by their appearances and behaviour. Shaking hand, weary expression and those eyes...

A man troubled by something?

"Umm, sir, you look like you've seen a corpse dancing with a Dunmer's ancestor. Is there something that troubles you? Did you hit your head hard? I could accompany you to the.. wait. They don't got no infirmaries here, just a healer. Yes, that's right. I could accompany you to the resident healer if you like..?"

Cyldreen's tone spelled out concern, while placing a steady hand on the older man's shoulder.

Riden walked towards the cabin while Tess followed behind. Tess ran into a very pale Breton. Riden helped her up and greeted the man, "The name's Riden..." I said slowly.

Tess extended her hand out, "Tess Rysan."

Riden noticed an older Redguard next to him. He turned his attention to the Breton, "So, what brings you all the way out in Seyda Need?"

Kaye flinched away from the hand instinctively, acting on old habits that had been a part of him for decades. He almost lost his balance again in the proces and if it wasn't for the hand gripping the wooden frame of the doorway, he would have hit his head on the floor for a second time in less than a minute.

"No, I'm fine really. Just a bit dizzy from the whole sea thing. I'm fine." He stammered. Having drawn just outside Cyldreen's reach, he calmed down somewhat. The Breton didn't look like a threat, but just a man who was honestly concerned for his fellow being. He really shouldn't have jumped away like that, old habits be damned.
"No really, I'm just fine. No need for a healer. And I'm sorry for seeming rude, but I'm not used to err...physical contact. Sorry for acting like that."


OOC: I'm off to bed so next post will be tomorrow at the earliest.

Tristan glanced at the other passengers. "A Redguard? You with the legion?" he asked. His voice was deep. The middle-aged Imperial glanced at Tess and Riden. The cold of the ocean winds bit against the veteran's flesh. Even though he wore his armor, it still got through the cracks.

Seyda Neen... I remember coming here during my Campaign. I wonder if Hrisskar is still here. "So you folks from around Morrowind or are you travellers?" the aged man asked.

Aha, a recluse by nature! Interesting..

"Really? Ok, then. But if you need some help, do holler. We Bretons respect the Elders, yes?" With a smile, Cyldreen released his hand.

My job hasn't even started yet and someone's supiscious of me! Wait, no. Just paranoia.

Nodding to himself, he left the Redguard alone and continued to his destination. While heading towards the Captain's cabin and whistling to himself, he overheard three voices, two males and one woman. He eavesdropped. And suddenly wished he hadn't.

"You with the Legion?" a gruff and deep voice, like a seasoned veteran asked.

Pigs! If I hadn't left my battle-axe, I'd chop the gruff one's head off! But, it seems diplomacy is needed here.

So, he casually stroded and turned to the corner to see three Imperials. A middle-aged man in a full set of Steel Armor poised stoically, while a couple stood infront of him. An Imperial woman and another Imperial.

This boat is infested with Cyrodiilic rats! If- wait what's that.. ? A rare hidden-blade! That means.. an Assasin. The game just got more interesting.

---

OCC: Well, I guess I'll be in Vaernima's Realm, plagued by nightmares! Oh, and another thing. Thoughts are written in italics. I suspect my post will be later. Peace out, men. Oh, and would someone control Cyldreen for me? He just made his presence known.

Riden replied bluntly, "No...We're on a...job"

Tess glanced at him worriedly and she started talking, "We're from Cyrodiil. Good to meet you!"

Riden casually looked around him and saw a Breton peering around the corner.

Got to keep an eye on the Breton... Riden thought.

"I'm going." Riden said hoarsely.

"Don't mind him, he's a little anxious to get to Morrowind. Neither of us have gone to another province before and we're hoping for the best!" Tess exclaimed, giving a warm smile to the Redguard.

Riden got his Hidden Blade ready for a potential fight.

OCC: It seems I'm not sleepy yet! God, I hate drinking milked-coffee before I go to sleep.. Wait, is the Redguard Kaye?
----------


Oooh, he looks like he's ready for a fight, eh? Wait 'till I get my battle-axe and spear. But, I'm not here for a fight, yet.
Smilling to himself and at the Assasin, he went to the Captain's quarters. He passed by some crew-members waking up. He smiled at them, said some 'hellos' and continued. He also kept cautiousness on his side. There's a chance that the Assasin is following him now.
Finally, he reached the Captain's quarters. The door is closed, but Cyldreen could hear some voice cursing some pants.

Cyldreen took his time and leaned at the nearby wall. His thought went to the Assasin as he waited.

An Assasin, not Dark Brotherhood and from the looks of things not Morag Tong either. A lone wolf? Hmm.. Why would be heading in Morrowind? Is he hired by that fool, Martin Septim? If so, then I have to be careful. Keep an eye on him, and that Legion soldier. . . Ex-legion soldier, if I'm not mistaken..

His thoughts were interrupted as a stout Bosmer, a fancy beard covering half of his face and a pony-tail braided on top his hair, exited and walked with a limp.

A Wood-Elf sailor..?

"Hagh, 'thing ye want?" the short Elf looked up at Cyldreen and sneered with a shrill voice.

"Why, yes. I was wondering when we will reach Seyda Neen?" the Breton asked nicely, while crossing his arms.

"Don' know about dat, laddy. Wind's mad and da sea seems hostil'. Mebbe about a week or so, now get!"

Cyldreen needn't to be told twice, so he made his way to the armory.

Riden slowly followed the Breton.

What am I doing? Getting into fights? Very sloppy...perhaps I'm distracted by Tess' safety... He thought.

He relaxed and decided to just confront to the man.

Riden started to look around the parts of the boat until he saw the Breton.

His red and white robes did stand out but the boat was dark enough to conceal him. Getting his hidden blade ready once more and yelled, "Hello! You seem rather...jumpy Breton."

"Hello! You seem rather...jumpy Breton." a voice yelled, and Cyldreen stopped in mid-walk, while his ears perked up. He smirked and ran hand through his hair.

The Assassin, so he had been following me..

Turning around, slowly so the Assassin can get a better view, he scanned the hallway infront of him. Some corners were dark, and he could bet that he saw some movement not far ahead. Narrowing his eyes and concentrating, he finally saw a glint of metal.

Hidden-Blade. His armed. Hmm, I hope there's something I could use, if things go. . . awry.

"I know you're there in the corner, come out now." he bellowed back, while searching for any weapon he could optionally use. On his right was a pipe, hanging loosely by a rope.

It isn't the strongest of weapons, but effective nonetheless. At least in the right hands.

"Friend or Foe?"

"Neither" Riden said.

Riden emerged from the corner and gave a mocking smile.

He could see the Breton eying a small pipe, "Don't try it. You'll be dead before you even grab it."

Riden glared at him intensely with no chance of retreat. He reached for his trusty Jian longsword.

Tess ran to Riden's side after finding him, "Riden...what's going on?"

He didn't respond, his eyes was fixated on the Breton. Tess intervened, "Wait...guys, we aren't here to fight right? We have our own reasons but we shouldn't fight over it right?"

Tess retreated back and leaned by Riden, "Please, I can't see you hurt..." she whispered.

OCC: Since I don't know what Riden looks like, I'd base it off at your avatar, ok.
-----


Cyldreen laughed.

Oh, the art of deceiving is such thrilling! And the girl..

The Assassin, wrapped in a white and red robe, glared intensely at the Breton, while the woman seemed to restrain him. The Man-Mer responded by giving the woman a wink. He then spread his arms, mockingly bowed and looked at the Imperial eye to eye. Brown orbs tried to penetrate his, while curtains of hair hanged. But the eyes, there was something about it.

The eyes of a murderer.. He killed before and without mercy I might add. But if he experienced my training as a spy..

"You're right, I'll be dead before I grab it, but you have to be fast, Assassin. We Bretons are fast-thinkers. Should you charge with that sword of yours, I should have 'Dragon Skin' protecting me. But if I'm on the offensive, I would not target you with my magic. But rather," Cyldreen glanced smiled at the woman.

Oh, I would do it. He's not the only who killed..

"Personally, I'd rather not fight an Assassin such as yourself but if you insist, I'd send both of you to Oblivion."
Cyldreen emphasised his point by casting Dragon Skin and reaching for the pipe.
----------

OCC: This is fun! Oh and sure, my avatar is my character in game and who I based on. Tess is a pale Imperial with pretty long hair. I edited this...pretty far.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Riden yelled, "Tess, get back now!"

He brought up his Jian sword, knowing that he wouldn't be fast enough to kill the Breton before he got in a good hit.

"Please be careful." Tess yelled back as she started running through the door into the main deck.

"If you so much as hurt Tess...things that even the Daedra will look as gruesome will be your fate."

Tess is my priority...all I have to do is get in a single hit to incapacitate the Breton. Just one shot...just one shot.

Riden brought up Jian and took up a defensive stance. With very subtle movements, he primed the hidden blade and brought his free hand up to his Royal Dagger in case the battle went badly.

He stared at the Breton and tried to read his emotions as was taught by the Master Assassin to his pupil.

He's very strong in his own way...looks like he's been trained very well...an interesting battle for sure.

"Let's see who's the better man. Don't try any cheap spells. It'll do you no good."

OCC: You received my PM? Anyway, this is isn't a battle to the death, K. I need Cyldreen. And his.. secrets.
-----


Cyldreen's masochistic tendencies kicked in. His grin became wild as he took on a defensive position. He began to concentrate and think that the pipe his holding is his battle-axe. Although, the grin remained. The grin that he wore during his 'training' as a spy in Orsinium.

"If I lose, would you please make me suffer? I love pain! In fact, during my time as a trainee in some land far away, they tortured me! And you know what, I loved every moment of it. Savored each strike of a whip, remembered the sting of a dagger! I'm sick aren't I?"

Cyldreen's mind went on to the verge of berserk, but calmness reigned. Lighting crackled on his finger tips, while Ice coated the pipe and his forearm.

Magic, torture and intelligence gathering.. Feels like home!

"Charge at me of you will. Throw some daggers at me, and the Dragon's Skin will make it more like a tickle! If you know some magic, by all means, cast it to me!"

Riden was genuinely convinced that the Breton standing in front of him was crazy but his intense disciplined training prevented any psychotic tendencies Riden would have.

"...Fine then." He said before casting a shield spell.

That...was hard. Just one shot...keep this up. keep him confused

The spell took quite a bit of Riden's energy away and he was panting softly, "Just keep him away from Tess." He whispered to himself.

"Happy now? Your Dragon Skin isn't worth my time. Jian is specifically coated with Aleiyd magics. It's a good alternative to actually casting spells."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tess' side
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Finally, I got a sword." Tess exclaimed with glee. The small iron broadsword was badly made but it could cut. She rushed towards the armory, trying to keep up the pace to prevent them from fighting.

Riden's too occupied for my safety. This is bad...I need to get there fast.

She pushed herself during the last leg of the journey.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Riden's side
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The shield spell was in full swing, it could provide that extra resistance during the battle.

Riden was sick of waiting, "Make your move Breton, and savor it. It's most likely going to be your last."

Cyldreen took notice of the Assassin's sword. It was designed like a rapier, but had the cutting edge of a sharpened katana. The grinning Breton also noticed some gold twinkling. A backup weapon, perhaps.

"Really, you want that? Where's the pain in that? Ah, well. Oh, if you meet my mentor in Oblivion, tell him that I succeeded on our plan, okay?" The Breton innocently said, while rubbing the pipe with both of his hands.

It became white, blue then yellow. Then, with a surge of magicka, it became red. Cyldreen's hair stood on edge.

I do hope this works, otherwise this is pure suicide.

His eyes became tainted with doubt, for a friction of a second, before going wild again.

"Here goes nothing!"

And he threw it at the general diretion at the Assassin. But in his frenzied grin, he hesistated and payed the price. It just landed near the Assassin's feet, if he grasped the opportunity, he should get out of there! Not powerful enough to kill, but strong enough to knock down and lightly wound opponents.

---------------------

I love enchanting stuff! Particulary with small explosions that could knock you down!

Riden was taken by surprise. The pipe released a surge of energy. He fell backwards and the world became a bit blurry. He quickly shook it off though and proceeded to follow the fleeing figure.

But the explosion's power was still present as Riden started to stumble, "Clever trick Breton!" He called out.

Tess just arrived and ran to Riden's side, "Are you okay dear?" She asked with a very worried face.

Riden nodded and got up, still shaky from the blast but was good enough to go.

"I'll kill you!" She screamed before she was restrained by Riden, "Don't...he was enraged just like you and he paid the price."

Riden's vision was blurry but he grabbed his Royal Dagger and threw it. In normal cases, the Breton would be on the floor but the blurry vision just impaled the wall next to him. Tess charged after him and Riden tried to keep up.
~~~~~~~
Tess' side

I'm going to kill that filthy Breton! Riden's hurt...just when we might have a child.

She was weighed down in her Morrigan armor but it she was just skilled enough to move efficiently as Riden taught her.
~~~~~~~~
Riden's side

One shot left...need to make it count!

He grabbed the dagger and threw it one more time. It didn't meet it's mark but it did hit a small rope by sheer luck alone. It released a barrage of crates, blocking the Breton.

Tess ran towards the Breton trying to kill him, "Tess, stop!"

Riden's vision started to come back and he pointed Jian at the Breton, "Explain yourself...."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An assassin is supposed to kill a blocked target but as Sun Tzu said, an enemy cornered will fight like he's never fought before. Not to mention that your character isn't an assassination target.

LIES! Tess is one month pregnant and she's aware. Actually two months...

Two daggers flew like twin eagles. A golden one was a close call, but the Assasin's aim got absolute in the second one's case.

It blocked his path.

And an angry woman is charging at him with a broadsword raised, face contorted in fury. This was Death, just a nervous feeling? But, somehow, the Assassin managed to calm the raging harpy.

"Explain yourself.." the brunette hissed, pointing his rapier at Cyldreen. He seems shaky, and if he could disarm him and use his own sword against his lover..

No, maybe if I surrender..

"Alright, alright. You got me." Cyldreen nonchalantly said, ignoring the glare the woman gave him. ".. Explain myself? Ok, I'm abandoned at birth and raised by monsters, trained to be masochist and a spy." he smiled sheepishly at them, and bowed.

"But if you want to explain why I assaulted you.." he licked his lips in anticipation.

-------------
OCC: How do the others fit into this? How do Kaye and Tristan... fit into this? Maybe Tristan chatted with Tess for awhile until she became worried and left. Damn.

OCC: Sure...lets wait for the others to decide. Oh and it's black hair, not brunette. It's because the picture I took of my character was in bad lighting.

Not posting for a little bit. Gonna play Oblivion! OMG!!

OCC: Alright, I had my fill of oblivion
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tess became even more enraged by the nonchalant expression of the assailant.

"Riden, if you may, please just let me just smash his head open for a little?" she said to Riden.

"No...If I learned anything from my assassin trainings...I know how to gather information."

He looked at the Breton like the wrath of Gods, "Tell me...why are you on this boat? Why were you trying to attack me?"

Tess embraced Riden and looked over his shoulder, "Why are you so forgiving? I'm usually the forgiving one...you're usually the merciless assassin..." she whispered.

"Because I want information." Riden said bluntly. He stretched over, grabbing his dagger and sheathing it.

Riden grabbed Jian and sheathed it, "Alright, I'm unarmed...for the most part." He said, with the hidden blade sticking out.

Tess sighed and kept embracing Riden.

"Talk..." Riden said.

A spitfire woman, that's something you don't see everyday.

They then talked a little, with the Assassin finally hushing her. Then, in an effort to be nice, he sheathed all of his weapons. But still wanted information. Information that he would never get. So, he leaned at the boxes that stood in his way and stared at the Assassin, uninterested.

"Attack ..you? It looks like you're more of a fool rather than an Assassin. Maybe I should ask you the same question, no? Why are you two going to Morrowind, in this time of the year even! It's war, you Cyrodiilic rat. And you two going to Seyda Neen, an Assassin and a... Warrior.. " He eyed the couple infrontof him, carefully. He finally made a conclusion. "You have been hired by the Emperor, yes?"

The tone Cyldreen took was like a parent knowing a child's secret. Shameful secret. Coupled by that and the way he said it so simple. he can guarantee that both of them are suprised.

Hopefully, with the tables turned, it will give me more time to ponder my escape. Magic? No. Think, Cyldreen think!
Wait, what's in this box..? Powder?

The Breton kept the unemotional mask, while he nimbly took one and readied himself.

Please, don't see it.. Please don't see it..

Kaye Soscean Wow, you guys have been busy.



Kaye couldn't possibly ignore the clamor. Sure, the ship was a rather large one and the waves crashing upon the hull drowned out most sounds, but to obscure the yelling, the sharp crack of an exploding pipe and the general noise of violence was beyond their powers. As such, Kaye knew that something was wrong.
"Pirates? NO, just no. I don't want to deal with that! I should probably get back to my cell even though the guards allow me to roam freely." He thought, feeling a cold sweat trickle down his brow.

The words of the combatants were garbled by all the other sounds but the few he did manage to pick out assured him there were no pirates. Not that this made things any better.
"For the sake of whatever gods you believe in! Stop this nonsense! Do you want this shi...Uurgh!!" Kaye shouted as loud as he could manage, which wasn't very loud, while simultaneously making his way towards the area where the sounds came from. It was then that a particularly strong wave made the ship lean to one side and overwhelmed the nausea he'd fought against all this time. Kaye sank to the ground, clutching his stomach.

"Egh, this is so horrible. I just want to lie down and die. But can't do that. Come on Kaye, show them how good you are at ignoring your body and stop those idiots before this all gets out of hand. Learning how to swim in ten heartbeats is probably a bit above you. He told himself and forced his feet to start moving again. It was hard to keep himself from hurling himself to the floor and surrender to his seasickness, but years of practicing various techniques to make the body entirely subservient to his body kept him going. However, when he got to the fight, it was already over.

The combatants stood upon the deck facing each other, while a ring of worried crew surrounded them. Kaye wondered idly why the guards didn't arrest the fools, but concluded it probably had to do with rank or somesuch. He also spotted a small hole in the deck, its edges slightly burnt.
"You're lucky you didn't have your stupid quarrel below the waterline...are you people trying to make us sink? This is a ship you're on! A half-rotten tub of wood drifting on a very large amount of water, not some Cyrodiilic arena! Think before you act or don't act at all!"

Cyldreen dropped the powder as soon as dozens of worried sailors surrounded them from all sides. Some whispered to each other, some berated them for starting a fight while some reached for their weapons, mainly bottles of rum and wooden poles.

Trinimac's smelly butt! I knew picking a fight so early was a bad idea! Now I'm probably going to get lynched beyond recognition.. Or worse! They're gonna.. ruin my beautiful body! Damn! The woman in front of him seemed to share his feelings, particulary the latter.

One particular yell of concern made him scan through the crew members, though.

"You're lucky you didn't have your stupid quarrel below the waterline...are you people trying to make us sink? This is a ship you're on! A half-rotten tub of wood drifting on a very large amount of water, not some Cyrodiilic arena! Think before you act or don't act at all!"

That troubled voice seemed familiar.. The Redguard he bumped into earlier! And he agreed with him completely. Thinking before acting.

Gotta make some excuse.. Gotta make some excuse... I got it!

"We're sorry for ruckus, gentlemen and gentlemer, but my . . . conjured Dremora went berserk for no reason at all! Mainly because I miscalculated but thanks to these," he was about to say 'fools' at the Assassin and the woman but bit his tongue. "wonderful people, I managed to get it calmed while these.. two distracted it. During the.. rough up, the damned thing cast a wide radius spell that broke some pipes and boxes."

I hope the Assassin plays along... Otherwise, he's gonna be forced to see some things.. Mainly the woman against dozens of lonely men.. And the lies! They better not see through it, I hope.

---
OCC: I agree with Kaye completely. I better go to the planning thread before doing such thing like these. My apologies.

I'm dropping out, it moves too fast...

Tess immediately saw what the Breton was doing.

"Riden, just play along," She whispered.

Riden nodded and agreed to what he had said.

"Yeah! And about the small smoke cloud back there...well Demora can set things on fire..." Tess said.

"And to answer your question earlier, I'm here for a job." Riden said, glancing back at the Breton, "You should...uh get rid of that pouch. I don't care what's in it, just get rid of it."

Tess held Riden's hand and looked around the band of worried sailors. She was worried and Riden wanted to see some bloodshed, "Pardon me, good sir." He said to the Redguard, trying to get through the crowd of people.

He started to see the sailors start to grab makeshift weapons. He instinctively moved towards his Jian sword and Tess was holding her broadsword very tightly.

If any of these idiots attack, they're going to go down with this entire ship...

OOC: No problem. I'm just making Kaye overly worried. Small leaks can probably be patched, but he doesn't know that.

Kaye Soscean

"Of course." Kaye mumbled and stepped to the side so that Riden and his wife could pass. He couldn't help but notice that it was now the sailors who were getting agitated, as if they'd changed their mind and decided that a fight really was in order. This did not help his already sour mood.
"Oh, by the way. Could anyone tell me just where in the blazes we are and how long it will take till we get to a reasonably dry patch of ground? Thank you very much. Also, that knot on the sail looks like it is about to come lose. Might want to do something about it." He asked as loud as he could for two reasons. First was because he genuinely wanted to know, second in the hope that if he just kept everyone talking about a different subject, they might just forget about the fight and get on with doing their job.

"I really should have slept on the roof that night instead of on the street. Ugh, I hate water."

Cyldreen Mon'Cheri
---

Well, looks like a fight is inevitable.. But do I have to kill them? And more importantly, will the Assasin be my temporary Ally this time?

"Well, gentleidiots, I suppose you can't put your weapons down to the ground and talk about this? I mean, we already explained how the ruckus erupted.." it seems that negotiating with this mindless sea-farers was like talking to a tree about how would they feel if Cyldreen pissed on them. Some smiled, some frowned while some advanced with broken bottles and wooden poles at the ready.

The Breton immediately tensed and crouched in a defensive position. He placed his arms at the ready, while soft embers flickered. He glanced at the Assassin who also reached for his sword, while the woman gripped her broadsword tightly and positioned herself near her lover.

A particular sneering Dunmer, who only wore wide pants, stepped up and spat a bile vile at the Breton's feet. The dark-elf smirked and caressed his cutlass menacingly.

"Ha! Afta' we is dun with ya, we'll has fun with gir-" Cyldreen took this as his opportunity, the time for diplomacy is over. He tackled the Dunmer to the ground and muttered a frost spell. It was not powerful, but with his face covered in Ice, punching him will cause cracks. Resulting in the Dunmer's skin being battered and sending pain throughout his face. The sailors rushed in at every angle.

The Breton stole a glance at the Assassin and smirked.

He's cutting them down like bugs! But bugs can overwhelm their squashers.. Better not let his guard down or one of them might land a blow.

As he raised his fist to strike at the screeching Dunmer, a kick to the face made the Breton land on his back. Blood trickled on his nose, while he felt dizzyness. He then felt a group of hands pulling him up, while at the same time a pole introduced itself to the Spy's stomach. Said spy spat some spit mixed with blood everytime the pole collided.

What happened to my Dragon Skin? . . . Wait. That's it, magick!

He clutched at the pale forearm of the person that held him up, and muttered a Charm spell. Not persuasive enough to fully make the person worship Cyldreenn, but enough to take pity and possibly release him.

".. Please good, ugh! Make.. Argh, ugh! Make them stop!" He lied. With him being a masochist, he enjoyed it. But it was necessary. Luckily, the forearm that held Cyldreen released him and he narrowly avoided it in time. The person, an Imperial, tackled the confused Nord. As they went down in a catfight, the pole flew towards Cyldreen. He grabbed it mid-air and took the offensive.

Time for some dance with pain!

That Breton's pretty good. A worthy adversary to be sure.

Riden whipped out Jian and Tess started to draw her broadsword.

"Why you little..." A drunk Imperial muttered, "We'll have some fun with that girl of yours!!" He yelled before he was silenced with a swift thrust into his stomach.

Riden knelt down his dying body and swiftly ended his pain, "Hope you have fun with the ladies in death, Rest in Peace." He whispered before whipping up and parrying all of the sailors feeble attacks.

Tess was having quite a bit of difficulty. She was being overpowered by the sheer number of the sailors. One got a hold of her and pinned her down. Riden noticed the scuffle and ran towards her aid.

With one quick slash with Jian, the sailor was writhing in pain with his feet cut off. He ended it quickly with another stab with his Hidden Blade and whispered another prayer.

Time to end this

Riden signaled Tess and she brought up her broadsword and started cutting down the sailors one by one, next to his side.

Kaye Soscean

His feeble attempts towards distraction and defusing notwithstanding, a second fight erupted within moments. Kaye grabbed the shoulder of one sailor, trying to drag him away from the melee.
"Please, is this really necessary?" He pleaded. Right at that moment, he saw the first man fall from a lethal wound and he groaned.
"Oh, now you've done it. No turning back now!"

"Shut up, prisoner! We may have let you roam but this is none of your bussiness! Or..are they friends of yours? Scum, all of you!" The Dunmer barked back and violently shoved him away, making Kaye tumble to the floor once more. In a corner of his mind, the Redguard was getting rather tired with the constant falling he'd done in the last hour. But that was only a corner he shut up as the Dunmer advanced on him with a broken bottle.
"Psah, I'll teach you for interfering in my affairs. Enjoy the same fate as these three N'wahs!"

"Oh, great. Now I am involved. Ugh, no other choice but to leap in and hope things work out in the end." Kaye muttered angrily. As soon as the Dunmer was in reach, he reached out with a quick kick to the knee, catching his opponent by surprise. The Dunmer fell as the joint audibly cracked and bent in the wrong direction while simultaneously, Kaye used the momentum he'd gained from the kick to throw himself back onto his feet. The adrenaline now coursing through his veins removed the feeling of nausea and his hands no longer shook. Almost nonchalantly, he kicked a second time, breaking the nose of his foe and sending him sprawling onto his back.

"Well, if you want me to be on their side, I guess I'll just have to obey, right?" Kaye sneered.
"So much for thinking before acting. Alright, let's bruise some fools."
The Redguard did not blindly jump into the fray, but rather danced around it till he saw the opening he needed. A sailor wielding a deckswab who was trying to hit the Breton from behind with it. Before he got the chance though, Kaye punched him in the back of the head before disarming him and taking the tool for himself.
"Hey, sir. I really don't know just what is going on but apparantly I'm on your side so I suppose I'll assist you folks." He called out to Cyldreen. It appeared that the sailors had now taken notice of him as well and he barely managed to parry another deckswab.
"Are we supposed to take on the entire ship now? That's crazy!"
"I mean, it beats getting glass in your face."

[b]Cyldreen Mon'Cheri[/b]
---

"Hey, sir. I really don't know just what is going on but apparantly I'm on your side so I suppose I'll assist you folks." the Redguard, who bump into Cyldreen earlier, called out behind his back and Cyldreen's smile grew wider. He quickly glanced at the old man and noticed he held a broken bottle, while an unconsious sea farer clutched his head and grovelling in agony.

"Why thank you, good sir! I'll be sure to raid the kitchen and bring you some wine as a token of my gratitude! Or beer, if you want. If you don't want it, then atleast let's munch on some rice cake with beef sauce? I-" Cyldreen's rant about High Rock food was interrupted as he parried a strike from a pipe-wielding Bosmer.

What is it with Bosmers becoming sailors?

He retalliated by kicking the tiny Elf in a vital 'area' and using it as a momentum, he brought down his wooden pole at the Wood-Elf's head. Glancing to his right, he saw a rugged Argonian charging with a battle-axe raised.

Cyldreen's battle-axe. The mind of the Breton went berserk for having his trusted weapon used, and he charged with gusto. Withing the reach of the pole, Cyldreen swung the long weapon at the side and it connected with a 'crack'.
Dodging a sloppy chop from the Lizard, he attacked with a low sweep. The Argonian jumped in time, but Cyldreen's momentum carried the Breton in a 360 degree wide sweep. It connected with various skulls before smashing the Lizards head. It sent the Argonian flying, with Cyldreen's battle-axe lying in front of the Breton.

"Assassin! You mind fending these brainless men off? I'm heading for the Armory to fetch some weapons for me and our new ally," He then turned at the Redguard. "You can come with me, if you want sir."
---

OOC: During which, we will find the rifles! But, we'll leave it for the time being.

OOC: Remember that the rifles are either flintlocks, lever action rifles, or the Colt Peacemaker(revolver). All of which has more than one bullet in each time but takes a long time to reload after the barrage of bullets.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"My pleasure..." Riden said.

The sailors were obviously inexperienced but as history always shows, the man with more people always wins. Tess had no problem with cutting down the sailors but she seemed to get weary after a while. She had a bad problem with death and Riden was the only person to calm her down.

After a couple waves, Tess went down from her problems and started crying.

"Tess! Get up!" Riden yelled before he ran towards her crying shape.

The sailors all crowded on the assassin and one stood forward, "You cut us down you miserable..." he snickered, "But no matter, we have you surrounded. Don't worry about the girl, we'll take care of her nicely."

Riden raised Jian and pointed it directly at the sailor, "When a soldier is surrounded, he'll fight like he's never fought before." He whispered before multiple thrusts into the sailor.

All the others started to attack and Riden easily wiped out a good half of them before weariness set in. One sailor hit him square in the chest with the hilt of a cutlass.

Due to his armor providing little protection against blunt weapons, he was down.

Tess hugged Riden hard, "I'm sorry..." she whispered. As a last ditch attempt, Riden threw his Royal Dagger square into the eye of an advancing sailor. He fell and the rest seemed even more anxious.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OOC: Well about Tess. In my character bio, I said she's a very moral and kind person. Well by moral, I mean she's literally the opposite of Riden. So instead of a cold blooded killer, she hates violence of any kind unless taken over by some blind rage.

OOC: I say stick with flintlocks and similar only. A revolver is actually quite advanced, to the point where it's not really a *primitive* firearm. Anyway....

Kaye discarded the broken bottle he'd stolen from his last foe, by tossing it at the feet of his next. As a weapon it was worse than his fists but as a bare footshredding obstacle it served quite well.
"He's out of the game." The Redguard observed as the sailor crawled away, leaving twin streaks of blood behind.

"No thanks, I think I'll stick around here to keep their attention focussed. And if you find some wine, I'll have some of that later!" He shouted at Cyldreen when he got the offer for going to raid the stores of the ship.
"Besides, there are a lot of opponents, too many to hold off while ransacking crates. I'd rather keeping the option of escape open, even though that means jumping overboard without knowing if you can swim or not." He added in his thoughts. The momentary distraction proved to be costly when someone leaped at him with a crude spear. Kaye tried to dodge but caught it on his shoulder, sending a sharp pain through the joint.
"Oh you...how's this?!" He shouted at the offender and hacked the spear in two using his uninjured arm. He then followed it up by kicking a nearby bucket at him before hitting him on the throat with his fist.
"Tsk, can't use the right arm anymore and I'm getting mighty tired. That Breton better hurry up! Now would be an excellent moment to return with some proper weapons, or with a summoned minion."

As if they sensed his injury, a group of them surrounded him quickly. Kaye tried to peer beyond the mass of bodies before him for help, but found out that the assassin and the woman were in as much trouble as he was. They were too strong for him to take on but he might be able to break through their ranks if he went in low and sweeped one of them off his legs. In such a packed formation, it could very well bring down the whole group, for a moment at least. But that would be a risky act and likely to result in more injury on his side. Instead, he might have better odds if he tried diplomacy first.
"Now listen up, fellows." Kaye said while trying to hide the fatigue from his voice.
"We could very well keep this fancy brawl going a bit longer, fine by me. But hey, you may want to consider calling it quits before you run out of people to steer this goddamn ship! Just saying."

"Thank you..." Riden sneered. Tess was crying hard into Riden's robes and clung to him when he stood.

He drew Jian and tapped at a sailor, "Hey, turn around very slow like." He said.

The man turned around only to be impaled by the very person they had surrounded.

Riden grabbed a couple rusty daggers from the dead sailors and threw them all at once. One or two missed but the rest hit their targets.

One in particular was hit in the leg, incapacitating him, "Hope you burn in Oblivion you damn dirty..." He was cut short by a shot into the neck with Jian.

Tess was starting to crumple up again from all the violence and blood.

Riden knelt by Tess and gave her a small kiss and took her broadsword. He threw it at the Redguard, "Hey! Heads up!" He yelled.

OOC: I actually have some more minutes before I go, so I'll use that. And flintlocks, babay!!
----

They're getting surrounded.. If only I knew some Paralyzing spells.. Wait, why cripple them if you could summon others to do the deed?!..

Ducking from a punch from an Orc, he grasped just in time and muttered a Command Spell. With Orcs being weak minded, the tendril of Manipulation easily penetrated it's brain and will hold it for a minute or so. For a start, he looked glazed and distant. Then, he's face became crumpled in rage and it snatched the Battle-Axe from Cyldreen's hand. With a roar of fury, it charged and knocked down some sailors before lopping an Imperial's arm off.

And with the sailors being genius rivaled by plants, they'll attack their former comrade. And by doing so, the Orc will defend himself.. I just hope it doesn't backfire. . . Better go into the Armory now, no time for dallying.

And with that, he ran. As fast as his foot would carry him.

To the Armory.

Kaye Soscean.

"Heads up!" Kaye looked in the direction to the voice and then ducked to avoid the broadsword. The weapon clattered off against the mast he was using to cover his back and fell to the floor.
"Well now, this is convenient." Kaye said with as much bravado as he could muster. He quickly stooped to pick up the sword and then gave it a few casual waves. At once his assailants backed away. While foolish and overwhelmingly aggressive, they still knew the reputation all Redguards shared for swordsplay.

"Now the way I see it, I'm the only Redguard on this floating bathtub and I'm also the guy with a decent sword. Now as I suggested earlier, perhaps cooling your heads would be a wonderful idea." Kaye spoke to them with a grin.
"Of course, if they see through my bluff I'm in deep trouble. I'm wielding it with my off-hand and on top of that, I haven't handled a sword in decades! Grossly exaggerated reputation, don't fail me now!"

"Stop showing off Redguard!" Riden yelled.

He pointed Jian at the group of sailors who were further away from the Redguard. He smirked and Tess covered her eyes, "Alright, we can just put our weapons down and have a nice civil talk or I can cut your vital organs out."

The sailors immediately split in rank. Some turned to face me and the others were staying where they were.

Hope that Redguard can fight well

Riden turned to see Tess scrambling away from the wounded sailors. "Tess!" He yelled.

Where's the Breton with the weapons?!

OOC: The shipment has arrived! And after we kill a few idiots, they'll surrender. Which basically means, we have one more post to go. If you have a question, post it at the PT. I'll be lurking around.
---


Cyldreen returned to see a scene of pure chaos. The Redguard awkwardly, Cyldreen saw it shaked everynow and then, held the broadsword infront of atleast five people, while the Assassin crouched in a defensive position and pointed his rapier at a group of three Imperials.

The one nearest to Cyldreen was a Dunmer, who had his back facing him. Digging a crossbow from his messenger bag, the Breton placed a notched iron bolt and aimed at the Dark-Elf's head.

He fired, but it embedded itself at the neck. The elf fell to his knees, and with a gurgle slumped at the floor, dead. Two Nords that faced the Redguard heard the noise and glanced at their comrade. Suddenly at Cyldreen's right, a large bruised Orc entered the fray by smashing through a wall and charged at the two of them. The large blonde and redhead stood frozen in place, a raging Orc with a battle-axe can give you the kiss of Fear. Having no options left, the sailors also charged.

The Orc I cast the Command spell into earlier!

Leaving the three battling giants, he threw the crossbow at an Imperial and readied a steel cutlass.

The armory's goodies sure is bountyfull.

Cyldreen grinned as the Cyrodil turned to see the source of his pain. He snarled and rushed at the masochistic man-mer, deckswab leading the way. Cyldreen sidestepped from a lunge and kicked the wood away. The Cyrodil, now weaponless, foolishly charged. It resulted with his head lopped off.

As two more sailors joined to corner the Redguard, they noticed a heavily armed and armored Breton running towards their general direction. One threw a bottle which bounced off Cyldreen's armor, while one met him head on.
The Breton ducked a wild kick and returned the favor by sweeping the first one's feet. The second one then threw a wide swinging punch, resulting with the fist smashing against the wall. Cyldreen stooped low before the sailor threw his punch. Smilling, the Breton stabbed the pained Argonian up his neck.

"Alrigh-" Cyldreen's chance of diplomacy was ended as a headless Nord flew towards the wall. The spy glanced at his back to see a panting and blood-showered Orc with a grin on his face.

"I-I take it your an Ally to us?" Cyldreen prayed to every gods he knew that the Orc would answer yes. The last thing they need is berserked Orc who feels his invincible. And in experience, he knew what they could do.

"Veefnir no know. Veefnir only want kill his former friends." And with that, he passed Cyldreen and smashed his shoulder against the back of a Khajiit. A crunch sound occured, followed by a sickening spleech. The Khajiit stared at his missing arm and fainted.

Time for some talking and lopping.

"You are our friend Veefnir," cooed Cyldreen with his deceptive tongue, while at the same time he stabbed another Khajiit through the thighs. "Friends do not hurt don't they? This.. men hurt you. They are mean to you."

Veefnir grabbed another sailor by the neck and dismembered both of his legs. Ignoring the screaming, the Orc threw the squeeling Imperial at a Nord. He glanced at Cyldreen with eager and waiting eyes, and Cyldreen continued. But first, he parried a steel pipe and countered by a low kick. The sailor frozed in pain and Cyldreen removed the sailor's right arm. Unconsiousness embraced the armless man.

"But we are not mean to you. We are your friend, just like your are to us. Understand?" We are your friends.

To his immense relief, Veefnir nodded and charged at the group who cornered the Assassin.

I just love tricking people.. Now, where's that Redguard? He needs assistance. Oh, there he is.

And with that, he grinned and charged at the sailors, cutlass raised.

"Hey Breton! Why not help us out?" Riden yelled while gut stabbing an Imperial sailor.

He ran towards Tess' pursuers and killed all three. She started to scramble up to mast and laid there.

The sailors stopped fighting Riden and turned their attention to the newly appearing Breton, Redguard, and the Orc. He knelt down by Tess, "Come on, let's get out of here."

He gently grabbed her by the arm and took her to the stern of the ship where the sailors weren't at. She was crying hysterically before another wave of the sailors attacked.

I guess it's what happens when a 25 year old girl comes to a brawl.

It was easy countering the unskilled blows but eventually, as history teaches, the sailors overwhelmed him. A cutlass was thrust into his armed hand. Tess screamed as Riden hit the floor. As one final last ditch attempt, he threw a dagger with his off hand at the pursuer, buying enough time.

OOC: I left a plan for our Green-Skinned Hulk in the Planning Thread. Just pointing it out, if you miss it.
---

Cyldreen Mon'Cheri

"Can't you see that I'm busy? Ask Veefnir for that." Cyldreen yelled back, as he grabbed a sailor by the eyes and slit his throat with his cutlass. He let the gurgling soon-to-be corpse hit the floor and quickly glanced at the Assassin.

He's down!

"Veefnir! Go to your downed friend immediately! Now!" He frantically yelled at the Orc, with the latter quickly nodding and charging at the sailors. He didn't knew why, but something tells the Breton to at least keep the Assassin alive. And with a raging Orsimer coming to the Imperial's aid, that feeling vanished. He then glanced at the Redguard, who seems to be bluffing. At least to Cyldreen.

But that bluff wouldn't last long if someone notices how he wields that sword.

"Hey, you idiots! Taking on an old man? Well, I guess sailors are cowards! If you queer, lance-sucking yellow-bellies disagree, take me on, then!? I promise I'll go easy on your candy-asses!" he laugh maniaclly as he threw the cutlass to the ground and kicked it where someone wouldn't pick it. They had numbers on their side, that's for sure. But what about skill?

Cyldreen grinned and held his Spear in a defensive stance. It's Orcish tip, coupled with it's wooden and steel haft, would draw some blood.

And it isn't gonna be droplets. No, it would be gallons.

With a demented laugh and grin, he gave the sailors a vulgar gesture. It was enough to send two Imperials charging.

Riden wrapped his arms around Tess, both downed.

Then an Orc with eyes different from the sailors approached the couple. He started to fight off the incoming sailors. Riden noticed a makeshift Spear, much like the one the Breton was using. He crawled over to it and grasped it.

Riden was still very much hurt from the shot with the cutlass but he could limp around.

Haven't used one of these in a LONG time

Some more sailors came in. Riden observed the tip, it was coated with Nightshade poison, the most toxic natural poison in all of Cyrodiil

OCC: Nightshade is the most toxic plant in my side of the Hemisphere so naturally...Back to the RP!

Riden stabbed a sailor dead on with it and the toxins from the deadly plant started to ripple through him. After a couple jerks, he fell dead.

Then one more was stupid enough to come, but luckily for him, the spear didn't have enough poison for one more go.

Time for something Tess will hate me for...

The sailor tried to attack Riden but he used the spear to deflect his blow and pierce his entire spinal area with it. Then with a hard thrust, it went through the body, killing him instantly and losing his spear.

Kaye Soscean

Kaye's bluff seemed to be working, or maybe it was the combined distraction of the returned Breton, the continued killing of the assassin and a brainwashed Orc that kept him from being attacked. Kaye wondered for a second if he should join in again but dismissed the idea. He was already at his limit, his 'allies' were still able to hold their own and quite frankly, he was sick of both the killing and the continued lurching of the ship.

"Dammit, just what caused this mess in the first place? I simply can't see just what set everyone off to the point of murder. At least I stuck with disarming and incapacitation...can't say the same for everyone else." He muttered under his breath.
"Hmm, as long as no one attacks me and as long as the situation doesn't detoriate too far, I'll just stay right here. Gods know it was a small miracle for me being able to fight in the first place. I'm not going to push my luck."

-----------------------------------

Cyldreen Mon'Cheri

"This is fun! It would get more interesting if your Captain appeared! A Bosmer sea-reaver against a masochistic, self-mutilating Breton! Battle of the Century, if I do say so myself!" the Man-mer laughed maniacally and dementally, while evading and block continous blows from sailors. One thrust from a dung-quality cutlass from behind made Cyldreen flail wildly, before he regained balance to swirl and meet the one who lunged.

It was the Bosmer Captain. His torso was covered in a indigo colored Brigandine with designs of golden leaves and skulls etched at the back. Most of it's buttons are opened, with a white shirt immerging. A bronze gorget cornered his entire throat, protecting him from harm.

Damn! That clothing is good quality, it's mine!

The Woodland Mer seems to glare at everyone, including the sailors. It made the latters shrunk back in fear and respect, but Cyldreen only returned the favor.

"I should've known not to trust them govermen' scum. Yer identity, I kno', spy. As with da rest of yer friends.. An Assassin, a former Fighter's Guild member.. Did ye think dat I'm a fool?" the Bosmer laughed, and all the sailors' eyes were lit in approval. But to Cyldreen, and possibly the others, it sounded like a toad singing. And it also made the Breton raised his brows. How could he have known that?

It doesn't matter now, though.

"An old fool, perhaps, but not a stupid fool! Boys, stan' back and watch how yer Captain deals with spies! Or calm down our slave, Veefy!" and with snarl more animal than a mer, he charged. Cyldreen immediately stanced into a defensive position and readied himself from the downward slash.

It never came instead, a leather boot met Cyldreen's nose. An audible crack resounded off the walls amd it sent the Breton sprawling.

Good. . . At least their attention's on me.. If that Redguard values his life, he should get out of here..

"Aww, da babay gunna crrrrry?" the Bosmer cooed sarcastically, while his sailors whooped in joy. They all chanted to break his legs and 'rip 'em a new one'. It made the Breton flash a bloodied grin. Using his Spear to lean on, he stood up and, without warning, brought the spear down. The Bosmer blocked, but even his arms can't stand the force from a veteran of spear. Then, as the Captain struggled with the weapon, Cyldreen sent his boot flying to the Captain's chin.

It required the Breton to let go of the spear, but the reward was pleasing. The bosmer backflipped once before he hit the ground on his stomach. Picking up his valued weapon, the Breton walked menacingly towards the stirring wood-elf. Grinning so wild, Cyldreen changed the way he held to that of a hunter. He licked his blood off his busted lip before throwing the spear at the Bosmer. To his horror, the nimble Captain stood up just in time and catched the spear that should've ended his life mere moments ago.

The sailors laughed in amazement, before they heard steel penetrating brain and skull. Cyldreen charged and kicked the spear, allowing gravity to his work for him. The Captain stood there, the smile remaining, with a spear sticking out at the back of his head.

"Aww, are the babies going to crryyy? Well, then, now that you're leaderless, I suppose you would behave?" then, the Breton's shoulder bounced up and down as he laughed with distorted mirth.

Their morale is probably like that of a scolded dog! With the death of their precious Captain, they will definately surrender..

OOC: I'm gonna start posting from Riden's perspective and Tess' perspective, while alternating. I keep typing "I" when I'm supposed to go 3rd person.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Riden's POV

I looked at the impaled sailor and smirked. Tess screeched at the sight.

Then I noticed a Bosmer fighting the Breton.

Well well...this is a surprise. Maybe I should intervene....

Immediately, my attention went to Tess, who was still shocked and scared about the fights. She had a distinct fear of large scale battles after the Dagrukai invasion. I shook my head and smiled, "Come on Tess, help me fight off these idiots."

Then a very sharp pain rocketed through my body. I winced in pain and looked at the source. The place where I was it by the Cutlass...

Then I heard the Captain chuckling with a sickening crack, "Aww, are the babies going to crryyy?"

I turned around and saw the Captain's face impaled with his cocky smile still on his face.

"Well...that's brutal!" I yelled teasingly.

Then the First mate appeared. He was very bulky Dumner with a large steel cutlass at least half his size. With a shocked look on his face, he knelt down by the dead captain.

Then the eyes of the Dumner switched to the Breton and he raised his large cutlass, "I'll kill ya!" He screamed.

As much as I wanted the Breton to suffer, for some reason, I had a gut feeling I needed him.

"Oi, Dark Elf." I tapped on his shoulder and when he turned around, my Hidden Blade hit him square in the stomach. While he winced in pain, I did as well. We both went down.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tess' POV

The sight of Riden impaling a sailor down the spine was too much for me. The bad memories came back as I started to lose control. I was always a sensitive person when it came to Riden's brutal and malicious nature but this was too much.

Then I saw something I would never live down. Riden winced in pain before going down. When I saw his figure falling to the ground, an uncontrollable rage filled me from head to toe.

Please Riden...please don't die. If anything, for the baby's sake.

I quickly rushed over and picked up a blunt club. The sight of death and blood made me very scared and the tears came back. I raised my club and tried to kill the first mate. But he opened his eyes and tripped me quickly. Before I could even fight back, he grabbed me and screamed, "Alright, get back or the lass dies!!"

I screamed at Riden to get up and then glared at the Breton, "It's your fault!!" I yelled, too scared and angry to do anything else.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OOC: So, I'm gonna keep going. I doubt the first mate was killed since he probably was with the captain the whole time.

Kaye Soscean

While attention had shifted away from him, Kaye felt rather exposed where he was. So he took the same solution he'd taken a few times when running from bears. He went higher or more specifically, up the mast to hide among the rigging.

Climbing the rope was harder than he'd thought, especially while still holding the sword and so he was only about halfway up when the shouting below him changed in tone. There were cries of victory, followed by cries of anguish. Kaye risked a glance over his shoulder at the deck below him.
"My gods, now he's threatening to kill the woman? Well I can't really blame him as she has been part of the killing but still...whether he kills her or not, those two guys will take it as another excuse to keep on murdering. I'd rather put an end to the bloodshed, if only I knew how. Maybe all I can do is hide up on the top of the ship." Kaye thought angrily.

He turned his face back towards his goal, just in time to receive a facefull of sail fluttering in the wind. The blow was almost enough to knock him off the rope but he held on, and got an idea in the process.
"If I get the sail to drop on top of them, I might just save everyone. It's hard to hack with a sword when you're caught under a big pile of fabrics. Besides, it's not as if I can make things any worse." He muttered to himself while a plan formed in his head. The Redguard resumed climbing, spurred on by the feeling he had to hurry.
"Ok, if I cut through the knot holding up the top of the sail, it should fly to the back like a flag. Wind's in the right direction too. Then, slide down the rope and get rid of the lower knots to drop it on the deck."

Nelacar

His door was barred for privacy, and his small room was dark, save for a single candle burning. Nelacar sat cross-legged on the wooden plank floor with his hands on his knees and his eyes closed. He heard commotion, and while it distracted from his meditation, he saw it as a challenge to overcome. His trainers had warned him against such a mindset, but Nelacar was used to narrowing the focus of his mind to solve a problem, not clearing or opening it. Nevertheless, it worked and the altmer found peace for a time.

He returned to his normal consciousness, only to realize that whatever was happening had intensified. He heard hard footsteps from above, along with ringing steel and loud shouts. What was happening to the ship?

He picked up his staff and sack of belongings and cautiously opened his door. The corridors below-decks were strangely empty. Nelacar moved upwards, towards the sound of fighting. He emerged, and tried to stay unnoticed while he figured out what was happening. From the looks of things, the sailors were fighting a fairly small force. Mutiny? Dissent among the crew, or a dispute with the passengers? Either way, these rebels were meddling with his transportation to Vvardenfell. He had to either help the crew or find an escape. His arrangements with the captain would be null and void if the mutineers won.

Cyldreen Mon'Cheri


The first thoughts that crossed Cyldreen's were bewilderement with a mix of amusement. From the corner of his eyes, he saw the Redguard actually climb to the mast. Cyldreen immediately saw through to what he was trying to do. He even ignored the yell Tess threw at him.

A risk taker. . Well, I just hope he knows what he's doing. We got a wounded assassin, a woman being held hostage and a brainwashed Orc who'll be back to his senses anytime soon. Hmm, that Redguard needs some time to cut the sails. And I'll but that for him.

Clearing his throat he began with a persuasive and calm voice;

"Come on, friend. Let's not get hasty with the lady, aye? We already told you what started the ruckus and we ended it! Plus, you have the power to stop this one. The power to stop lives being wasted and destroyed! Your Captain and several men lie dead at your feet! You're even wounded, for Mara's teets!" some of the sailors laughed at the last remark, but some still kept cautiousness.

"Surely you don't want the rest of the crew here to die, right? If so, lower your cutlass and release the woman." A faint smile tugged on the Breton's lips as the Dunmer thought about this. He even lowered the sword to an extent, but he still kept the quivering Tess.

"B-but, Captain Faergowthslyn tells us you were them spy. I-I don't know whats to do.. Me.. I, the Captain.. But.." the words spelled out doubt and uncertainty, and Cyldreen would be happy to remedy that.

"Do you think that letting these men die by our hand is the right thing to do? You must think about their future!" Cyldreen's voice came out crack, acting like he was crying. But it was true, most of the sailors are nothing but lads reaching their twentieth year.

". . . I suppose so." the accent of a native born in Morrowind being submissive felt rather odd to Cyldreen. Mostly because the Dunmeri have pride stronger than stone, but that was irrelevant at the moment.

"Excellent! Now, what is your name friend?" this time, he asked genuinely.

Making them feel safe towards makes it more easy to control them like a puppet.

".. Andel Shunar." the Dunmer answered with uncertainty, before fully lowering the sword and firmly pushed Tess towards the Breton. Said Breton also walked towards the woman quickfully and before she could say anything, Cyldreen walked past her but not before whispering;

"There's a room right beside the Armory. Take your lover there and lock it until this is sorted out. But before you do that, take my messenger bag.
It's near the stairs that leads to the Quarters. There's some healing potions there, and a dagger too if I remember correctly. Here's what you gotta do. Make him drink half of it, then rub the rest of it on his wounds. Now, go."

Cyldreen was afraid she wouldn't understand such words in a quick and silenced volume, but in experience, people are actually more determined and focused if one their loved ones is in danger. It also made Cyldreen want to question himself for being suddenly co-operative to the ones who tried to end his life, earlier.

I guess the saying goes: 'keep your friends close, but your enemies more closer.'

He then turned his full attention at the confused Dunmer. The cutlass was slightly raised, and Cyldreen supposes he wants to know where the Imperial is going.

"She needs to go to the resident healer, sir Shunar. Her lover's practically bleeding like a stuck pig! Anyway, I been wanting to tell you this, sir, since the ruffle started." and with that he inhaled a large breath and with a smile;

"NOW," he said it a little louder, loud enough to be heard above. "Is a good time to be a Captain of this ship. And I swear, to my father's grave, that I will cause no more trouble. Heck, I'll even help the healer!"

OOC: Alright, you sweet talked a Dumner who probably was binge drinking at one point in his life
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Riden's POV

"Ugh...Where's Tess?" I groaned. I was losing blood fast and the high amounts of action caused the blood to spill even faster.

I felt myself being picked up and carried, while a familiar voice was yelling out orders.

The Breton, never thought he was going to be my saving grace...

Then I passed out from shock and blood loss.
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Tess' POV(Main POV for this post)

When the Dumner released me, I felt like a massive burden was lifted off my shoulders. Even so, I found myself hating all the other passengers. When the Breton was starting to bark out orders, I felt myself wanting to scream at him for all the trouble he caused.

Instead, I gave him a sharp glare as I gently picked up Riden and gave his unconscious body a weak smile.

After walking for what seemed like the path of death, I reached the armory. I laid down Riden on a small bed and gently kissed him, "Please get better." Then I found the potions the Breton was talking about.

I hated him very much but there wasn't much of a choice. Silently, I picked up a potion and gave him half like the Breton ordered. Then, the I found the wound. It was pretty deep and the blood just started to stop. I poured the potion on the wound and surprisingly, it started to stop bleeding immediately.

I started to pace around the armory, worried about Riden and how good this trip might be for the baby. Riden grunted and I ran over to his side.

He looked over to me and smiled, "Tess?" He asked.

I was ecstatic, "Riden! You're awake!" I squeaked.

He started to get up from the bed and winced in pain. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"It still hurts when I walk." He replied back. After giving him a goodbye kiss, I headed around the inside the boat to come back. I gave up and headed back to the armory.

I yelled in frustration.

Then I heard a clunk and saw Riden with some makeshift wooden crutches. "You know, some people are trying to sleep." he said to me teasingly.

"Well sorry Mr. Sleepy."

He smiled at the joke and limped over to a small bench near a large cupboard. I went over to his side and leaned on him, "So do you think we can finance a second baby?"

"Big time, we already went through the whole 'baby' process with Soren. We know what to expect." He said. I started thinking about Soren, our...child. He's sixteen now and was taken to a small cabin for assassin training.

Riden seemed agitated for some reason. He scooted over to the cupboards and opened it curiously. I put a gentle hand on his back, "Don't exert yourself dear." I said sweetly. He nodded before opening the cupboard. My mouth dropped at what I saw.

A rack of five guns was neatly arranged. I looked at Riden and he looked like he was a child in a playroom, "Oh yeah...haven't used guns in a while."

I heard clanking outside, "The fight's still going on..." I commented. Riden nodded and limped over to the door, "Listen, these guns are VERY rare. I'm taking one since between the two of us, I've used these things quite a bit during my assassinations on a couple diplomats."

"But...you're hurt."

He smiled reassuringly at me, "Don't worry about it Tess. I'll just stay back and fire some potshots with it. It's not the most accurate and I'm not the best shot but it's pretty darn strong."

I reluctantly nodded and threw him a pistol. "Take the rest with you Tess. The others will need them."

Kaye Soscean

Kaye was gasping for breath by the time he reached the top of the mast.
"I'm too old for this nonsense." He whispered, shaking his head. He hadn't dared to look down once, not since he noticed the hostage situation. At this point, he didn't look down either. He would simply do what he came to do and then hope for the best. He secured himself as best as he could and swung just below the knot holding up the sail. The thick rope did not give way easily, becoming ragged and torn with each blow but still surviving by a few strands.
"Ugh, I can't reach properly with my left arm." Kaye thought and winced in anticipation while switching hands.
"This is gonna hurt."

At the last blow, the rope finally gave way and the sail was cut loose, flying out in the wind. THe Redguard grit his teeth as he slid down his own rope, not stopping when he reached the bottom, but using the momentum of his own descent to drive the sword into and through the lower rigging. Now freed from all support, the sail fell flat on the deck, and so did Kaye.
"Agh, ropeburn! That's it, I've had it. I'm not going to move a single muscle here! Anything else comes up, they can solve it themselves."