Corpses. Humans, Elves and Deadra corpses laid scattered through out the area. The road was drenched with blood and ash, and the scent of rotting flesh haunted the air. Although she did not show it, Theloria could feel her stomach about to turn. It was a grotesque sight, and she felt pity for the families who had lost their husbands, father and kin.
Following her was three curates. Adaren, Nelos and Nadena. They were stll young, and never had they witnessed anything like this. The young healer, Nadena, stopped in her tracks, vomiting furiously as she caught a wiff of the ill scent. The Dunmer girl could not understand how Theloria could keep on going like that, as if there was nothing wrong. It made her feel weak. Here she was vomitting all over her boots...she was certain Theloria was dissapointed at her now. Maybe she would force her back to Ald-Ruhn?
"Nadena." Theloria called out without turning around to face the group. "If you want to run back to the Temple, then do so now. You won't have the opportunity when we arrive at Ghostgate."
Nadena's cheeks turned into a bright lilac color as she stared up at the priestess. Adaren and Nelos nodded at each other. They both knew that Theloria meant the girl was far too young for this task, yet it was Nadena who had insisted on coming along. But, the girl did not run back. Instead, she stood up straight, and apologized.
"No, sera. I will come along to Ghostgate, and stay there to the end... even if it is my own."
With that, Theloria kept on walking, leading the Curates towards Ghostgate. However, her eyes were not concentrating on the road up a head, they were heavily fixated on the corpses. She could feel a shiver run down her spine, and a sense of anxeity swell up inside her stomach. Thaden had been sent to help eliminate the surrounding Deadra. What if...
No. I would know if Thaden had not made it back. He wouldn't die out here either. But all those faces...what if he is out here? No! I am not to show fear nor worry. Those children are scared enough as it is, it won't help if I start panicing.. But still...where are you Thaden? Why did you not return to me?
Tel Naga, Sadrith Mora.
Sitting in front of the mirror, Katsaniah stared at her reflection. Her eyes were filled with dissapointment, seeing as her plans had been ruined. Before even doing so much as step a foot on the ship, two of the Telvanni guards had stopped her. Once again...her father had managed to isolate her further from the situation at hand. But why? That was the question that echoed in her mind. And yet...she did not feel like all hope was lost. As she had expected, the Telvanni councillors had summoned a meeting, and they would more than likely arriving in Sadrith Mora any time now. But what had really caught her attention, was the wizard courier, who had given her a message from Master Aryon himself.
But why would Master Aryon wish to speak with me? Perhaps he believes father will refuse to meet with the others? No...whatever could it be....?
Sliding a hand down her thigh, she evened out the wrinkles on her gown as she turned to Varion. "Well then. What say you, my minion? Do I look presentable for our lords?" Katsaniah cooed at her flame atronach. The enslaved Deadra seemed to eye her up and down, before nodding sagely at her, causing his mistress's lips to curl into a smug smile.
A knock was heard at the door. Katsaniah already knew who it was. It was almost...funny, how regonizeble his knock was to her. Waving her hand towards the door, she motioned for Varion to open it, which he did. The soft sound of slippers walking against the finely woven rug stopped half way in the room.
"Do not sulk like that, Katsaniah. A true Telavanni does not do such lowly things. I want you looking decent for this...meeting." Neloth's words spat out like pure venom at the end. He was never fond of social activites, not even with his own kin, nor did he like having to leave his studies like this. But...this time, there was something in it for him.
It was not easy to tell the two Dunmer were related. Whilst Katsaniah carried herself with grace, Master Neloth was arrogant to anyone but himself. It had caused many whispers in the halls when it was announced he had become a father. Indeed, it was no mystery as to why a man like Neloth would want a child, and it was well known what his intentions behind it was. However, he took pride in Katsaniah, seeing as she was the prime meal for his ego.
"You are after all to take my place, and I will not have some mongrel come into the picture and ruin everything I have done over the years. You are of my flesh, my blood and of my mind. It is your duty to see to that you present yourself as such." The magister continued as he walked closer towards his daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder when he approached. "Are you listening to me?"
"Yes father." Katsaniah replied nonchalantly.
"Very well then. Do not take long, I will be waiting downstairs in the Great Hall."
Redoran Council Hall, Ald-Ruhn.
Thaden released a much strained breath of air as he leaned his back towards the wall. The throbbing sensation of his recently closed wounds made it difficult for him to stand properly. Funny how sensitive the body was after healing. Letting his gaze wonder, Thaden peered at the other warriors inside the bedroom quarters. The surving had been brought to their respective families, and the dead...the dead had been burried. Just thinking about it caused Thaden to see red, it made him furious to the point where he did not even notice his hands were clutched tightly together.
Cursing quielty under his breath, Thaden stormed out of the quarters, and made his way to the Arenim Manor. Ferther Mano would want to hear of the outcome from the battle, and of the casualities. The western area around Ald-Ruhn was for now, secured. But how long would that last anyways. Only time could tell. Perhaps that is what agonized him mostly, the fact that all they could do was wait and then act. Surely the Deadra were having a laugh.
Upon entering the Arenim Manor, Thaden nodded his head with respect at one of the Redoran guards. "I'm here to ask for an audience with Ferther Mano. It regards the group of warriors who left to the west to take care of the deadra who spawned there."