As Sal entered the kitchen Tor was stood next to the washing basin, cleaning the dishes, which made the news that Sal informed to him come as a bit of a suprise. There was no doubt that if they needed someone to help with a marksman assault they would ask him to join, but to lead and on such short notice. It was obvious someone had found where the vampires were coming from, there would be no other cause for such an immediate action.

"I best get my gear together then hadn't i Sal." Tor smiled and stood back from the dishes. Altho not a proper soldier Tor did enjoy putting his skills to good use and in his mind vampires were more beasts than people and so had no quarrel in putting a few holes in them.

With that Tor went to step out the kitchen to go gather his armor, bow and arrows; but before leaving he paused and turned back to Sal.

"When you say.. leading an archery squad... Who will i be getting?" He asked, wanting to know which of the men would accompany him and so he coulld assertain their seperate skill with a bow.

Even though the Captain wanted a smoke potion of some sort, Zhan had other ideas. Probably good ones. Salvius trusted the khajit to whip up something spectacular, he was versatile and was always thinking up new ideas, often specific potions for each soldier. Wish he could fix up my knee, the Imperial thought with a chuckle. No matter how much they tried, his knee could never be cured, it was odd. Whenever they attempted to heal up the knee's insertion, it would just go back to normal the next day.

As the Sergeant told Tor to get ready, the Altmer seemed to suprised. Most likely because Salvius came to him on such short notice, and to expect someone to lead a team so suddenly was not a normality. However Tor seemed to be content with the Sergeants orders and simpley accepted his commands, standing away from his dishes. It was clear that the cook was a naturally talanted Mer, he could make excellent food, shoot a bow with precision and be a good laugh. As a matter of fact it probably would be possible for him to reach a high rank in the Legion, but instead stuck to cooking food, not being an official soldier. Tor was about to walk off to get prepared, but had one more question.

"When you say.. leading an archery squad... Who will I be getting?" The Altmer asked, it was fair enough to know these things, if you're going to lead a team it's necessary to know the skills of the squad.

''Ah well in all honestly, I wouldn't know. But I recommend you take Recruit Janus, he's young, energetic and has much potential. This experience would be good for him. And being an archer is even better, but I don't want him going to the front line. Much to dangerous. Apart from that, you'll 'ave to ask Captain Ferrus. Sorry mate.'' As Salvius was speaking, he noticed another recruit standing behind him, looking nervous and shaky. It seemed he needed to speak to Tor. ''Oh sorry my boy, here, the cook is all yours.'' The Sergeant spoke nicely to the young man, trying to ease his nerves. Obviously the kid was shy and needed to boost his confidence.

With that Salvius walked back to the training room, a little more practice never hurt anyone and he needed to keep his muscles loose, ready for the ambush. However this time around he tried to make his blows softer, the meeting had eased his anger and saw no point in straining himself. The Imperial awaited any command from Lieutenant Ladin or Captain Ferrus to do something else. One thing that did raise Salvius' mood was the sweet smell of brewing potions, he didn't need to go around searching the outpost to know it was coming from Ri'Zhanja's room. Thankfully, his potions tasted very nice as well, which was odd seeing as most brews tasted like sewage water.

As Sal left the room a young recruit came in and appeared to need something from Tor. The kid obviously didn't know how to act around different people because he seemed scared to talk to him, and Tor was only the cook.

"No need to be all polite like, just say it" Tor said.

"Ah well, that khajiit.. Ri'Zhanja.. he asked me to come and get you and tell you he'd like to see you."

"Very well, i'll see him as soon as i've grabbed my gear." Tor smiled gently as he spoke in a low tone and then walking out the room, leaving the kid unatended in his kitchen.

Tor strode casually down to his room and swiftly entered, he wasted no time in taking off his shirt and throwing it onto his bed. Kneeling down he slid out from under his bunk a long wooden footlocker and opened it. Inside were his belongings which he quickly dug out. He slipped on his chain shirt straight onto his skin then followed that up with his leather vest over the top, he then picked out his quiver and checked it for arrows; he counted 24. He lastly grabbed his bow and stood as he slung his quiver over his shoulder and hung his bow on his other shoulder before pushing his footlocker back under the bed and walking out.

As he walked up to Ri'Zhanja's room he pondered the on why he needed his help, and what for but he had little doubt that it had something to do with the skirmish they were to embark on later. As he approached he stopped and read the sign on the door before knocking twice and waiting patiently.

I knocked on John's door, trying to be polite instead of barging in. He wanted to teach the little man a lesson in this raid. John opened the door.

"Look.. John. I know we've had our differences in the past. But we need you on this mission. If you survive and are successful I will promote you to Sergeant. Will found the Vampires' Cave! We need you to walk down the main entrance and act like you are some weary traveler. Say things like "Anybody there?" and "Please help me! I'm lost!" But Zhanja is cooking you up a potion that will offer you deliverance from the vampires.. Simply through it at the ground when they attack. Our hidden archers will ravage their ranks, and me and the men will charge up while they reel in confusion, realizing the trap. This is only if you're up to it, and it'll earn much respect from me and the men," he coughed up some smoke from his lungs, which puffed into nothing against John's chest. "Now get ready so we can leave. We attack within the hour!"

Ha! They really do think I'm an idiot! There's no way I'm trusting my life into a potion. They want me dead. I'll go along with the game though... for now...

''Sergeant , eh? Uhhh... sure count me in.'' John said while grabbing his sword.

He then quickly equipped all his Armour and sword. First putting on the helmet then sloppily throwing on the rest of Armour over the cloth he was already wearing.

''Hold on, not ready yet,'' he then finished off the half empty wine bottle in a single gulp, ''Now I'm ready.''

"Capitol!" shouted the Captain, putting a hand on John's shoulder. "The men will look at you differently after this mission. I promise," he said with a wink.

"Now let us go get Halbari and then meet up with the rest of the men on the mission. I will have to announce it at the barracks. In fact; I'll do that now. You go fetch Halb," explained the Captain, who exited and headed towards the makeshift barracks. There were only a few men there and ordered them to meet in the main barracks. He went there with the rest of them and stood in the middle of the twenty or thirty men.

"We know where the bastard bloodsvckers are! The Empire once again is triumphant! Those disgusting beasts will be dead by nightfall! No longer are they the rulers of this wood! Glory for the Emperor! Glory for us! We are the building blocks of the Empire and today we will assert ourselves as being in that position rightfully! With our plan the vampires stand no chance. Now.. I must go, wish your Captain and the others that are coming with me luck!"

''Yea okay. I'll get that cat right now.'' John said.

John looked around trying to find Halbari. ''here kitty-kitty'' he said mockingly while looking for him. He found the khajiit in the training room attacking one of the dummies.

''Get ready, cat-man, we're leaving for some homicidal, suicidal, crazy-as* mission. The captain told me to get you. I have no idea what your suppose to do so don't ask... just follow me.''

OOC: Long John you can control Halbari for now because Dark Fox doesn't seem to be posting anymore. Unless he posts / msgs me before the raid then he will be killed off in the raid aye.

Ri'zhanja approached the door and opened, smiling alittle when he saw the cook. "Ahh yes, I guess the scared little recruit got you after all" he chuckled. "Come on. I am after a small opinion. Seeing as your leading the archers into the cavern I'd like alittle advice on specific effects of a potion you'd need. As Im trying to make sure we come from fighting undead alive. So do you have any preferrable effects you'd like me to try and add?" he added on going to his lab. Where he had several bottles of high end alcohol sitting on one end as potion bases.


ooc: Holywalrus I wouldnt really advise doing that, allowing character control for someone elses character. Usually its best to just say they came along n stuff.

OOC: There's no point in having people who don't post in the rp. If there is then there is sometimes confusion and it's boring waiting for days for some1 to post.

OOC: Im back from my fake vacation

Halbari lowered his long silver sword from the dummy and sheathed it and He then turned around and looked curiousley at John.

"What mission could the captain possibly want me for. And also tell me this... why should I care?", He said with one eyebrow raised. Of course Halbari already knew then that the captain probably hoped he would get killed by something in the cave. He then waited for a moment, and for a second opened his mouth to say he refused to go. But sadly no words came out.

"Alright then.... lets go."

Captain Ferrus met up with Halbari and John outside the training room, "Come, men. We must go to Zhanja's room to check on the potions. After that we will fetch Will, Ladin, Salvarius, Tor, *whatever Denoriel's character is going to be names* and the rest.. Let us go, then," said the Captain.

He led John and Halb through the corridors to Zhan's room, and wondered why the door was open. He walked in and saw Tor and Zhan speaking about potions.

"Greetings Tor, Zhan. I came to check up on you Zhan.. Those potions ready yet? We really need to hurry."

Tor walked in when Zhan opened the door and was immediatly questioned on potions, but before he could answer the captain and a few other men walked in.

"Greetings again Captain..." He said before turning back to the khajiit "... well if you were thinking about life detection i'd advise against it, although handy it clouds my vision and i can't be as accurate as i would like to be, i might suggest an eye of night effect if you can do that. Oh and anything you can add that'll steady the men's nerves and shaking hands will be invaluable in such a tight situation." He advised before then turning back to the Captain and awaiting orders.

OOC: sorry for shortness and carpness,, tis 3am here >.< night all

He flicked his ears in irritation as the captain entered, pestering him about the potions "Captain you cannot rush alchemy. I have most of them done. However the archers I am making alittle extra something for" he said his back now turned from the captain as he worked on mixing a few potions. He then poured them into old bottles, re-using some of his older potion flasks. Having limited supply. "These will last about two hours" he then added turning around to face the captain "I strongly advise against drinking them until we reach the cavern. That way they will be much better used, for the next day I advise not to drink alcohol either. You may experience...unpleasant side effects from it. Now I have made ones for each of you that vary with effects." he added turning back to the lab table "Ill give them to you all in the barracks when you explain to everyone their roles and discuss our plan"

"The barracks is going to be full of cheering and pvssyring men. If we want peace and quiet to talk and give out potions I suggest the training room. Finish up with Tor and the rest of the potions and go to the training room. I'll get everyone else and bring them there. Farewell, Zhan," said the Captain, who walked out of the room, taking John and Halbari. He went back to his quarters to find Ladin, which he did, and he said, "Come, Ladin. We meet in the training room.. I explained everything to John.. Would you mind taking Halbari to the room to explain the plan to him?" with that, he left his quarters, leaving Halbari. He found Will, Sal, and *Denoriel's character* in the training room.

"Now we wait," he said to the men. "Tor, Halbari, Ladin and Zhan are on their way."

Ladin rubbed the back of his head tiredly as he grasped his chainmail vest from his bed. He sluggishly put the metal vest on and sighed. We're making a big mistake, a dozen of us going up against who knows how many vampires? The captains out of his mind!. Ladin walked over to his desk, and grabbed a leather string connected to a sheathed scimitar wrapped on the chair. The scimitar was forged in the sandy regions of High Rock, and was going to be transported to an outpost on the edge of Valenwood and Cyrodiil. Sadly, the ship was raided by a group of Imperial mercenaries. Ladin, being part of that group.
The argonian retreated from his quarters on a search for the captain, but nearly bumped into him when he shut his door. "Come, Ladin. We meet in the training room.. I explained everything to John.. Would you mind taking Halbari to the room to explain the plan to him?" Ferman said, and leaving no room for argument, he took off. Leaving Ladin to his new order. ''Yessir...'' The lizard said, before setting off.

ooc: Walrus, I thought Halbari and John were already together... In fact, isn't John leading him somewhere?

OOC: Yeah but I caught up to them and led the to Zhan's room, then to you, then I left Halb with you and took John with me to the training room.

Edit: OOC: Long John got banned for 3 days by some mod that got butthurt when he put a few curse words in a post. I will be controlling his character.

Before every battle Salvius would like a training partner to spar with, it would get him in the mood for combat and for some reason make him feel more confident, just the way your muscles are more mobile and lose was a nice feeling. It may of been a small compulsive disorder, but nothing serious. Just more of a warm up. Unfortunatly, every person who was in the room was either to independant or too nervous to even talk to the Sergeant, let alone spar with him. These kids need to grow some confidence if they're wanting to survive out here, Salvius thought, looking at the recruit, shaking his head in the process. However he did have a valid point, they would never be able to fight against anything if they didn't believe, instead fear would build up inside them causing them to die pretty much instantly. The Imperial could understand having butterflies on the first day on the job, but to be shakey and silent as a mouse for at least two years? It's just a bad sign.

Upstairs, Salvius could hear the sounds of footsteps and much conversation, most likely to do with the attack. Although on closer listen, they all seemed to be having a large talk on the potions for the battle, it was often complex stuff, but Ri'zhanja seemed to know what he was doing. The Sergeant could hear the mutterings of Tor and Zhan, it seemed that the altmer wanted a night-eye potion, useful for the dark but what was wrong with just a torch? Pfft magic users, Salvius chuckled smiling. It appeared the Captain wanted to rush the two alchemists, a bad idea in fairness, there was plenty of daylight left, and the fight wouldn't last nine hours. Plus why bother hurrying, the potions needed to be taken care of and it was vital that they were checked to perfection. No-one wants to experience the side effects of a bad potion. ''Don't rush him Captain..'' Salvius muttered, worried that Zhan may actually listen to him. Though with that said he remained in his training room warming up, no point in interrupting to talk about alchemy.

Salvius heard the sound of the Captains voice to order eveyone down into the training room. Damn I was just getting warmed up! The Imperial thought, stomping his feet in frustration. Only Ferrus, Salvius, Will and the new comer were in the room at the moment, but there was no point in resuming the training, the briefing was just about to get underway. Instead Salvius sat down next to the others. In his mind he was slightly nervous, even though they had a plan they knew next to nothing about the enemies except they are physically stronger then humans. They definatly needed to do more homework on this raid. But still, Salvius tried to look confident, he didn't want to lessen the newer recruits anymore, or anyone for that matter.

After the rambling upstairs, Salvius was still curious to know what was going on. He leant over to Ferrus.

''What was all that about up there? Some potion argument or something?'' Salvius spoke with a laugh, awaiting the Captain's reply.

OOC: Seriously guys can we slow this down a little? I live in England and it's morning here and I just had to catch up 14 posts. I know I wasn't really involved in them but what if next time I am? Trust me if it gets to fast people will leave if their timezone can't handle it.

William noticed the captain enter the training room and looked up. He had been sitting in there for at least half and hour and was getting quite bored. Also, his ass hurt.
"Captain!" He called out, standing up. "When are we gettin' outta here? The lights fading fast and those bastards could be comin' for us at any moment, we needa get moving!"
Will was truly worried, he had a few close friends in the outpost, and didn't want another one like Skellen to die.

OOC: Sorry for short post, got a writers block just then.

"Worry not, my friend.. It's not like the vampires are attacking us! We have plenty of time.. Relax; the rest of the people will get here soon enough. Stretch out and train or something.. We have a rough battle ahead of us," chuckled the Captain. He had left his pipe back in his chambers unfortunately. He picked at his beard with his index finger and his thumb. "We have atleast seven hours still. The vampires won't be going anywhere."
"
"When we get back tonight, we will eat and drink like the nobles do! We will throw a celebration that will shake the Earth! But for now, let us have a moment of silence for those that have fallen to the bloodlust of those fiends. We will think of Skellan, Ol' Carces, Y'mell, Ga'toka, and the others. We think of how we will make those beasts suffer for taking our friends away, and suffer they will. The steel and silver of our blades will hack into their disgusting flesh like knives through butter! And if even one of us falls, may his soul be honored by the Nine themselves!" he shouted charismatically.

Zhanja had finished off most of the potion work now, he collected up the potions in a box along with his special surprise, followed by donning his armour and robe once again. Picking the crate up he carried it down to the training room and booted the door open, seeing as his hands were full at the time. He placed the box carefully down onto the ground and began to sift through them, making sure each and every potion was there. He then picked up a moderately sized round sphere that was a little heft. It was a bronze color and seemed to have a liquid inside. He smiled abit and tossed the orb into the air and caught it before turning to the rest of them. "Well potions are here Ill hand em out when the plans spoken of"

It appeared that William was starting to get a little nervous and jumpy, not a good sign. Everyone needed to keep foucs and calm down, but not be complacement about the situation at the same time, like Salvius felt the Captain was. If the soldiers got to twitchy it would do no good, chances are they would speed themselves to fast, rush in headlong and in result get slaughtered. The Sergeant was going to try and calm Will, but it seemed Ferrus had already started doing so. Dammit when are the others going to get here? Salvius thought, he wanted everyone to be in the room so the attack could be as early as possible, there was no need for rush but the group needed time on their side to at least have a chance in the battle. If it went too late then it would be certain death, even if they fled the Vampires would use their superior athletic ability to hunt them in the darkness.

As the Captain suggested that everyone take a moment silence to remember their fallen comrades, Salvius agreed. It would calm the nerves and even make some people get ready for battle. It did for the Imperial anyway, the thought of revenge for his friends got him going, even making the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. However the silence also seemed to be making people nervous, one guy even look close to throwing up. Salvius knew it, and he couldn't hold it in any longer.

After the Captain made his grand charasmatic speech, Salvius whispered into his ear.

''Captain I agree with the morale lifting speeches but we can't let people get complacent about all this, it will get some of 'em killed. We need to be serious, you know as well as I do that you're a great leader and a good man in these dark times but these games are over. We need to start getting in the mood for battle.'' Salvius took a breath. ''And another thing, you see that recruit over there, the shakey one? There ain't no way in hell we can take them with us, I know we need all we can get but it just spells certain death for those guys, they ain't ready for this yet.'' Salvius tried to appeal to the Captains heart and good will, it was then that he had to tell Ferrus of his physical condition. ''I thought I would tell ya Captain, I'm not the fighter I once was, my knee is worse then ever and the lack of exercise lately has hindered my endurance somewhat, I'm very sorry to say I won't be as reliable as usual. Sorry my friend.''

With that Salvius stood back, hoping Ferrus would understand, awaiting an answer.

The Captain pitied Sal. He hoped the man wouldn't turn out like Ferrus had. "Salvius.. Whether I can rely on you in battle or not, you are a great man. I know you aren't into superstition and religion, but the Gods will not let a good man die for nothing. I will speak once more, of what you have told me. I know I can be a little bit too cheery on the outside, but that's because I don't want the men to turn out as sadistic evil bastards. I want fearless soldiers and good men, who look out for eachother. I will say a new speech, and thank you Sal for speaking.. It improves both of us," the Captain stood on top of a bench.

"Men. I want you to be confident! I want you to be strong. But when faced with an enemy such as the malicious vampires, do not be too confident! Do not rush into battle thinking yourself invincible. Many good men have died because of this. I just want you to know the dangers of battle.. I am not blind to these facts. We WILL win, I know this, but that is simply because the men I'm taking are not idiots! They know the dangers of the battlefield and that's how we are strong! This is the steel that makes our swords hard! Just because you believe you can win does not mean that you will. The only way you can win is if you understand your opponent.. Some of you have never drawn your sword in anger, most of you are hardened veterans like me. Either way, these things are important," the Captain shouted, hopping down from the bench. As soon as he impacted on the ground, he collapsed. "AGHHH! MY HIP! Ohhh.. Ugnhnhn.." he yelled, and then passed out from the pain. He had had another attack, convulsions wracked his body.

Salvius felt a little bad, from the look on Ferrus' face it seems he must of been sadened from what he said to him. Nonetheless what the Captain replied with was perfectly understandable, the man just wanted to boost the soldier's confidence but for whatever reason the Imperial saw differently, he saw complacecency and sometimes but very rarely arrogance. However now that the Captain spoke to Salvius about why he did it, the Sergeant changed his mind. He felt a fool not to understand why Ferman sometimes acted the way he did and would no longer judge him that way. Even though he was a strong worshipper of the Nine Divines, the Captain was right. Salvius was never one for superstition, instead he believed that the gods guide your ways depending on how you act, but not that they decide what will happen. If a man dies it is for certain reasons, not because the Nine felt it should be. Why would the gods want Skellan to die? Salvius thought shaking his head in sadness. There truely was no reason for the man to die, in fact if he was alive then the squad would have a better chance of defeating the hideous vampires.

It appeared that the Captain wanted to make one more speech. However this time it was more serious, but in Salvius mind much more inspirational, beautiful even. It was that well spoken. Although in a humourous kind of way, it did make the Sergeant laugh a little how the Captain based his speech on what he was just told to him. But it didn't matter, it would still get the soldiers in the mood. As Ferrus preached his words, Salvius stood up respectfully, nodding his head and even quietly clapping at certain parts. It seemed that during the speech that the recruits and other soldiers such as William, seemed a lot more confident. Some were also standing up showing their respects. Obviously the speech was working and Salvius could only encourage Ferman to keep on going. Although, sadly, what happened next was not something anyone needed right now, and would make things worse again. The Captain had injured his Hip, but this time seriously. He had passed out, out cold. Being the highest ranking officer in the room, Salvius took control. He looked around and saw thankfully the healer Zhan was in the room.

''You! Zhan, fix up the Captain! Do anything you can to keep him well and try wake him up if you can. And Will, stop the others from panicking, and if Zhan needs help, you help him dammit! I'll fetch the Lieutenant. Just hold on!'' With that said, Salvius gracefully sprinted up the stairs to to where Ladin was situated. He felt bad for being so shouty towards Zhan and Will, but he had no choice.

''Ladin! Lieutenant Ladin! There has been an injury, the Captains down! No time to explain lets just get to the training room, pronto!'' The two rushed back down to the room, where Ferrus was still out. As the Sergeant and Lieutenant stood over Ferman's body, Salvius had a bad thought, but it was true. He turned back to Ladin. ''Sir I think we'll have to call the raid off, we can't do it without the Captain. Shall I tell the men? Or instead do you want to lead the battle yourself?''

Salvius awaited a reply for the Lieutenat, and for the first time in ages, he actually started to get worried himself.

OOC: Well I'm off to college now, can we please not rush too far? Thanks, see you later .

The Captain rolled over. The pain was still throbbing in his hip. This attack was one of the worst, they were getting more hurtful every time. He crawled painfully onto the bench. "Men.. men! Calm down please! I'm okay! I just had another attack.. calm down. I'll be fine. I can still lead the attack, fear not. It just.. Got me when I wasn't expecting it. Worry not, I'm fine," he explained hurriedly, waving off the new recruits cowering around him. The throbbing stopped, replaced by a constant pain, which soon dissipated. The attack was over; he was as good as he was a few minutes ago.