OOC thread: http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1482694-the-apologists-of-moonshadow-ooc-and-sign-up/

Date: 11th of Frostfall
Setting: Hall of Secrecy, Solstheim

Six months had past since the writing of Reduras Gulain's book, inviting mages to learn about the ways of the forgotten gods from Morrowinds past. Three months since two aspiring Apologists; Anuriel and Callido sent letters of interest, including information as to how much they would be donating to the Apologists. 3500 gold had been donated in total. 3000 of which had been put into 'The Tower of Plots,' dedicated to the study and reverence of Boethiah. Reduras invested the rest of the gold into spell tomes, books, staves and soul gems that were missing from the Apologist's towers and halls. He had now realised his vision, two great towers, and one hall dedicated to Azura, Mephala, and Boethiah. In addition to this he had renovated his enchanting shack into 'The House of Nordic Interest.' For any who wished to study the Nordic ways, after all Solstheim is part of Skyrim.

Redarus was sitting in the Hall of Secrecy on an unforgivingly cold night in Solstheim. Even after a year, the cold chilled him to the bone. He hoped that the two Altmer boys had managed to find their way, as he instructed them to occupy the forests of western Solstheim on this day, at this time. And so, after dusting down his staff and placing on a warm cloak, he made his way to the courtyard. With staff in hand, he pointed his off-hand towards the moon, wielding an expert level Mysticism spell. First he cast the spell, and then he fired his staff. One large ball of light, and one strong beam of light made their way towards the western forests of Solstheim. 'The first test if you like.' Whispered Redarus quietly to himself. 'Azura guide you both.'

It was now up to the two Altmer mages to locate these lights as instructed, and follow them to the towers and halls of the Apologists of Moonshadow. This would be their first test, as the forests of Solstheim are full of dangers. Some of which only a convicted Mage could withstand. Upon their arrival, they will be greeted by Gulain himself, and given their robes and specialty equipment. They would be told to pick one area of study. Their choices would determine their place of residence. That is, if they find their way unscathed....

Anuriel grins as the ship, the White Strider, begins to dock in the ports of Raven Rock. He hands the captain a tip in the form of a small coinpurse, and after a polite nod, he steps onto the dock. As he strode through the marketplace of Raven Rock, his gait, altered by 3 months at sea, could be mistaken for that of a common drunkard. He braced himself against the stone wall of a well, steadying himself. A petite Dunmer woman giggled at the sight of this Altmer who walked as if the very earth beneath him was quaking. Feeling that he was well enough to walk, he started into the forest that stood menacingly at the edge of town. This is your the first barrier you must overcome before you can live a life filled with knowledge, he thinks to himself.

Callido, forests of Solstheim

For months Callido had searched for a place to learn, a place to worship, but above all a place to be safe from the Altmer who hunted him. The early years of his life, spent in polished halls and on sweeping vistas, seemed so far removed from his life now. He had gone across Skyrim, learning the hard way from his mistakes. Thieves had stolen his money, bounty hunters had nearly cornered him, and guards and soldiers had shaken him down for what pennies remained in his purse. Still, despite his ragged appearance, he was not without means. In the simple sack he carried, he still possessed Altmer robes, though he didn't think he would wear them much in this weather. In the threadbare coat of furs he had wrapped around him, however, his fortune lied intact. Sewn carefully into the cloak were precious stones of varying size and quality. Whenever he needed to bribe a guard or make a purchase, he would cut into the coat, dropping a small ruby or emerald into an outstretched hand. Most importantly of all, however, was the signet ring of his family which was painstakingly hidden. The ring itself was made of sterling silver and gold, but Callido would never sell it, even if his life depended on it. It bore the moon and star in the same way the legendary Nerevar's ring did, symbols of his patron Azura, who he know came to worship.

Looking across the sky, he saw the pale traces of magic, evidence that his journey was nearing a close. Not yet, he chided himself. Coming this far to be mauled by a bear would be a hilarious and terrible. Laughing at the thought, Callido carefully picked through the forest of pines, occasionally glancing backwards to make sure he wasn't followed. A white outline darted through the trees, circling Callido. A wolf, and big by the looks of it. Cursing, Callido concentrated, willing the familiar into existence. He thought carefully of its shape and proportions, its strengths and abilities.

Overhead, a translucent hawk appeared. Crying aloud, it swept down, trying to find whatever it was that harassed its master. Callido could try to detect the wolf through magic, but thought better of it. If it came at him quickly, he couldn't prepare a second spell quickly enough. So instead he concentrated his willpower into a single point of energy, growing in his palm. He waited until the smell of ozone filled his nostrils before stopping, letting the small point of lightning hang in his palm. He concentrated, feeling the energy drain as he held it there. His familiar dived, seeing the wolf, who rose up on its hind legs to swat at the troublesome creature, only to miss. Callido walked towards it, careful not to break his concentration. The wolf, after howling in frustration at the familiar, turned back to Callido, lips curled back in a defiant snarl. It took one tentative step, then another, and then it was racing towards Callido, muscles tensing to leap. Callido waited, still now, determined to time this correctly. Just as the wolf was leaping, he let the lightning free, willing it to leap at the wolf, now about to pounce. As it hit, the wolf's snarl turned to a mewling whimper as it fell sideways, quite dead.

With a sigh of relief, Callido let the familiar vanish. Hopefully no more wolves stalked the woods. The lights in the sky were much closer now, and Callido soon found the impressive complex. For the middle of Solstheim, the place wasn't too shabby, even if it was hardly the Arcane University. But here Callido would be safe. Walking in, he felt a sense of excitement and anxiety. He hoped it wasn't a trap, or a disappointment after coming all this way. In the courtyard, a single Dunmer stood, trying to stay warm.

"Reduras Gulain, I take it. I'm Callido. I've come to learn, and to worship Dawn and Dusk in peace."

And there stood the Dunmer Redarus Gulain in the freezing cold, patiently and persistently awaiting the arrival of his two new students. And up came a young Altmer fellow, no doubt exhausted from the testing journey. Redarus stood at the top of a ruined stone staircase etched into the snowy hills on which the towers and halls stood. His staff was gripped tightly in his hand, coming all the way down to the snowy concrete. As he saw the young Altmer approach from afar, he put his old eleven eyes to work, noticing a large symbol of Azura painted onto his face. This was Callido, one of the Altmer mages he was expecting.

A quiet smile lit up his face as he waved his snow-covered staff in the air, signalling Callido. "Reduras Gulain, I take it. I'm Callido. I've come to learn, and to worship Dawn and Dusk in peace."

And down came Redarus Gulain to welcome his new apprentice. Standing on the steps, he greeted Callido in a warm manner. 'Callido I take it? I do hope your journey faired well. Would you follow me to your quarters?'

Anuriel kept at his brisk pace through the forest. It was well into the night, and Messer had risen above Secunda. He smiled. The twin moons were a welcome sight. Anuriel could not count how many times he had snuck away from the Temple in Bravil, to sit on the bridge over the canol and stare at the moons. But there was no time for admiration in this moment. He could sense that there was a pack of wolves nearby. But Anuriel could sense something stronger. He felt Mephala guiding him toward it. The school. A low growl sounded from behind him. Wolves. He silently conjured a flame in his left palm.

In an instant, Anuriel turn around, sending the firebolt in the direction of the grow, seconds later replaced by a whimper. The flaming wolf lit gave off enough light for him to see the two other wolves. They launched themselves at him, in a great mass of fur and claws. He cast off another firebolt, this one missing it's target as he was toppled to the ground. A scream and wolves barking ran through the forest, as claws were raked down his abdomen, loud enough to wake the western half of Solstheim. Mephala help me.

Looking up, he saw a great light arc over the treetops, from the north. With newfound energy, Anuriel threw the two hulking beasts off of him, throwing a large bolt of ice through one wolf's stomach, and the last wolf fleeing further into the forest. He rose shakily to his knees, using the remaining portion of his magicka reserves to cast a healing spell. While it would not heal him completely, it would help for the remainder of his journey to this school, where he could possibly find a potion or two.

Approximately 17 minutes layer, Anuriel began ascending the steps and walked into a stone courtyard. Seeing a Dunmer man with a welcoming expression, he took him for man who sent him the letters inviting him here. "Good day, sir. I have come with the blessing of my lady Mephala, the Queen of treachery and secrets. Is there somewhere I may heal? I have some claw marks in unspeakable places."