OOC: I finished up the last post, so everything is set up to be concluded. Sorry about the delay, I'll do my best to keep them to a minimum. Anyone may now conclude this conflict.

"There, all done right and proper. Now why don't you be a good little boy and take care of these?"

The smirk was wiped clean from the apprentice's face. He chided himself, wishing he had tried a little bit harder to dissuade the Imperial. He made no motion to speak to the shadier looking man, hoping that he would leave.

"No need to work now! There's an emergency. I'm not going to concern myself with these papers when my very life could be in danger!"

There was perhaps a tinge of melodrama in his tone, but he hoped the svcker would buy his excuse. Looking at him more carefully, he noted the strong frame. He was used to dealing with pompous aristocrats, and he found he was slightly nervous at how the virile Imperial might respond.

"Then again, the Legion is dealing with things. Heh. I would be shirking my duty to put these off! Back to work for me... yes siree..."

He idly dabbed his quill into the ink and jotted down small and meaningless notes of the paper, occasionally glancing up.

"You can leave now. They probably need a hand with the fire. These will be all done by the time you're back, guaranteed!"

The note of his voice increased steadily throughout his sentence, and his "gurantee" came out as little more than a shrill squeak. The man blushed and pretended more fiercely than ever to be heavily involved in paperwork.

***

Pelena had not yet returned, and the Guildmaster was pressuring anyone of able magicks to do something. They would only need to venture to the basemant and remove the case of war poisons, he and his apprentices could quell them magically once they were safely away from the building. Vilvan began to get agitated at the pestering.

"Where did Lady Amatius go? I thought she was at the guild. Oh, and where's that Argonian that had just arrived in town? Here not long ago..."

The Guildmaster eyed him but said nothing. He looked again to the crowd and pleaded for help one last time.

Fara took a moment for a good look at the fire, thinking her tactics against the fire. Anarion's house is a lost cause. There's no way I'll let anyone got in that flaming wreck. It would take an awful lot of magic to be protected from it, and that would do no good if it crumbles down. Which it can do anytime. And let's not even think of how bad the fumes are going to be inside. But the fire is too bad to protect the neighboring houses. I'll have to pull them down or the fire will spread around...

Having decided on a course of action Fara started issuing her orders. She picked the house's owners from the bucket chain and sent them in their homes with most of the mens under her command to get as much as they could out. Losing your home svcks, losing your belongings along with it svcks even more...

Of course the owners did protest against writing off their homes, which she silenced. "You see the scorching on the walls ? They're about to catch fire, even with one hundred peoples tossing every bucket of water they can at the walls. If your houses burns, it's two whole city blocks who are going to follow. I can't save your homes, but at least I can make sure they're the only one to burn, and I'll have the Legion lean as heavily as it can on the town to help you with rebuilding.

I know it's a svcky deal, but it's the best I can get wit the hand I've got. I'm not a stinking mage to snuff that fire with a snap of the fingers. I'm doing the best I can with the hand I've been dealt. And don't try pinning the blame on me or the Legion. We didn't stockpile enough incendiaries to burn the town twice over next to your home. Anarion's the moron who did it !"

Once the evacuation was underway, Fara requisitioned axes from one of the market's remaining stands and sent the men to prepare the house. They kept the wall facing the fire standing as a shield, while removing first the roof, then the sidewalls. Fara's plan was to remove all she could, retaining only enough of the timberwork to keep the the almost-burning wall standing, then send it to the ground. Toward the fire to make sure nobody would be on the receiving end. Of course the timber would burn, but laying flat on the ground the fire be manageable. And being farther away from Anarion's pyre the next houses could be preserved.

Imperial Settlement of Helnim Wall - Morrowind Province

Flaminica Pallas Flaminia Sulca

Pallas watched the friendly Bosmer lead the effort to slowly dismantle the building and deny fuel to the fire. She found herself nodding approvingly, as it was a sound plan. Relieved, Pallas ventured around the disaster zone looking for wounded or anyone in need of assistence when she realized that the legionary officer she had spoken to earlier had not yet returned. Curious--she had said to send someone after her if she didn't come back, but surely that was just standard officerspeak?

Yet Pallas didn't see her anywhere. The air was rather choked with smoke and the situation was chaotic, but Imperial armor was rather distinctive. She definitely wasn't here. It would be best to tell another legionary, but who? She didn't even know the officer's name, so how could she report her missing? She thought she might ask the Bosmer, but she was busy dealing with the fire.

There was a Dunmeri associate she had, though... where was he? The young priestess spent a few minutes looking around, warily treading over rubble and gently shouldering herself past bystanders--offering polite apologies or giving a few coins as charitable alms when appropriate--and she finally encountered the man. At least she thought it was the right man--he was the only dark elf in Imperial apparel around here, at any rate.

"Excuse me, legionary? Your, errr... pardon me, your commander was heading towards the guildhall, and she bade me notice that someone ought to be sent after her in the event that she did not return. This was some time ago... so I thought you should know."

Pallas had spent some time around the legions, and she was technically an honorary officer, but her training mostly involved the philosophical principles of the legions and some basic combat training. She knew precious little of how the army worked, and less still on how to address military men. All that armor was frankly quite intimidating. She much preferred the ceremonial plate her father and his associates, with the ornate reliefs worked onto the armor. It was gorgeous and looked artful--but the dull grey chainmail of the line troops seemed so foreboding and menacing.

And this fellow was a Dunmer, a race that was known for being just that. Pallas swallowed, and tried to remember that a servant of the Nine and a lady of standing outranked him. Not that it mattered when he had a sword. For yet the hundredth time, she wondered why she couldn't have gotten a posting in a civilized province, or at least stayed at the chapels of Ebonheart. Noo, she had to inspire the troops and help the poor benighted citizens of the frontier. Blast her sense of public duty!

TAG: Chalupadealer

"You can leave now. They probably need a hand with the fire. These will be all done by the time you're back, guaranteed!"

Lucius raised an eyebrow at the young man as he squeaked out his answer. "Is that so? No, I think I'll stay right here where it's comfortable. Why bother helping anyway? Too much trouble for a bunch of morons that I care nothing about. If this place burns it won't bother me any. Besides, I'm sure the townsfolk have it under control. If they can't take care of a simple fire, how are they going to survive when the Empire comes crashing down around here? Surely the Legion is going to be pulling out of this pathetic province soon, or at least back to Ebonheart. I mean, what's there to protect around here anyway? A bunch of stupid Dunmer that hate us with every fiber of their being. The glorious Legion may as well cut its losses and run already. It's obvious they're not welcome here, no matter how much House Hlaalu would like to say otherwise."

He leaned back in his chair, suddenly wishing he had brought that bottle with him from the inn. It would have served as a good way to pass the time. And while he was bored in the office, he didn't see much need to go out and do work when he could keep sitting here. And he was sure if he left the building that that Legion woman would conscript him into the rescue effort. Not that he would have minded all that much, he simply didn't feel like it. He would leave when he was good and ready, no sooner, no later. So unless the Legion woman came looking specifically for him, which was as likely as Vivec appearing in front of him and tap-dancing, he would just keep sitting there.

He folded his hands in front of him as he waited for something to happen and closed his eyes. He wondered if he would encounter any of his traitorous ex-employees anywhere in the Marsh. As unlikely as that was, he would relish the opportunity to beat some subservience back into them. Or perhaps just beat some death into them. Lucius chuckled at the thought. It was all the honorless louts deserved for leaving him here in this cesspit to fend for himself.

"Excuse me, legionary? Your, errr... pardon me, your commander was heading towards the guildhall, and she bade me notice that someone ought to be sent after her in the event that she did not return. This was some time ago... so I thought you should know."

"Oh! You startled me, sera." Vilvan had been watching the mages curiously, wondering what they had to do with the fire. That suited him just fine. It meant the Argonian was innocent. Perhaps I was overly worried about her involvement. Looks like we're about to get things fixed. As for Pelena, she can wait. She got the guild folk here, after all.

"Well, the guild is here, so I'd say she's alright. Maybe still has something to discuss there. The fire is more urgent at the moment. Didn't you mention something about a spell, not long ago? They need your help. I'll fetch Lady Amatius in a moment. She's a champion of the Legion, by the by, not quite distinguished enough to be commanding wars. I'm sure they'll wish she'd been promoted soon enough, but I don't mind being in a low risk troop. Heh. Low risk."

Vilvan thought of Black Marsh. The idea of being surrounded by the worst enemies of his race in one of the deadliest places on Nirn was not appealing.

"Let's take care of the fire for now. Still think you can service a few volunteers? I'll round some up quickly enough if you feel able."

Vilvan grinned cockily, quite confident in his abilities.

***

"Is that so? No, I think I'll stay right here where it's comfortable. Why bother helping anyway? Too much trouble for a bunch of morons that I care nothing about. If this place burns it won't bother me any. Besides, I'm sure the townsfolk have it under control. If they can't take care of a simple fire, how are they going to survive when the Empire comes crashing down around here? Surely the Legion is going to be pulling out of this pathetic province soon, or at least back to Ebonheart. I mean, what's there to protect around here anyway? A bunch of stupid Dunmer that hate us with every fiber of their being. The glorious Legion may as well cut its losses and run already. It's obvious they're not welcome here, no matter how much House Hlaalu would like to say otherwise."

The apprentice watched the man relax. Consequentially, he felt more comfortable himself. He glanced at his sleeping master. He spoke in a more regular tone now, though warily.

"I hear you. They say it's all Pelena's fault. Anyone with half a brain left is forgetting about it. Anyone with half a brain is forgetting about the Empire! No 'ffense, of course, you being their kinsman and all, but I don't think you seem to interested in its welfare, no?"

He paused, the quill still poised for a few signatures.

"What are you doing this for anyway? I don't understand this sudden surge of volunteers."

He started filling the papers again as he waited for a response, desiring to get in depth about the failings of the Empire and the corruption of its representatives. He knew he was treading on treacherous ground, especially if his loyalist master awoke, but he knew he was dealing with someone who actually knew what they were talking about now. No amount of Imperial propaganda would sway him from the truth...

"I hear you. They say it's all Pelena's fault. Anyone with half a brain left is forgetting about it. Anyone with half a brain is forgetting about the Empire! No 'ffense, of course, you being their kinsman and all, but I don't think you seem to interested in its welfare, no?"

He paused, the quill still poised for a few signatures.

"What are you doing this for anyway? I don't understand this sudden surge of volunteers."

"First off, kid, no offense taken. The damn Empire can burn for all I care. Would probably make things easier for a guy like me to find a job, anyway. And boy, can I tell you some horror stories about the Empire. I was raised into it, after all. I witnessed some of their atrocities, and some of their kindness. They're an army just like any other, only honorable so long as no one important is watching. And once the nobles are away, the soldiers play."

Lucius leaned forward suddenly, bracing his chin under folded hands, staring at the boy. "As for why I'm doing this, it's because I have no other choice. Ironic, though, ain't it? The very group that's ruined my life, not for the first time mind you, is the one I'm joining in the end. Under other circumstances, I would kill myself first. But I refuse to die in this cesspit of a province. If I die somewhere, it's going to be in my homeland, nowhere else. And to all those idiots that think it's honorable to die on the field of battle, what's the point of having honor when you're dead? Won't do you much good in the next life, now will it?"

He leaned back again, closing his eyes and thinking. "I'll tell you what. I've met the Legion council in the Imperial City. The great, big bastards that rule with an iron fist. They're no more invulnerable to the sins of man than anyone else. The only difference is that they have the power to make all their bad qualities go away in the public eye. Same as any politician, only these politicians are the ones that rule the world," Lucius said, opening one eye to look at the young man. "A frightening thought, isn't it?"

With forty soldiers dressed for demolition, the work on the two houses was fast. Breaking things apart usually was compared to building them in the first place. Of course, with their worldly possessions piled out and their homes undergoing a radical alteration the owners weren't happy. Though the smoke and small flames rising from the wall facing the fire made it clear they would have lost the houses in any case...

Soon the sidewalls were down, with only a few beams keeping the now burning wall from toppling to the ground. Which it soon did with a judicious application of axe and maul. Yep, few problems can't be solved with enough muscle and heavy tools...

Now that her mind was free of the immediate concern of a spreading fire, Fara breathed with relief. But her mind picked the moment to bring back what a Mage had told her before she buried it under more pressing concerns. What did he say... ah yes there's some poison in the basemant.

She looked around in the crowd until she found the Mage who had spoken about poisons in Anarion's cellar, and made a beeline to him, hearing his discussion about pulling the crates out. With a quick glance to the still raging fire and Anarion's shop sagging roof and walls she dismissed the idea.

"You want to send someone in that fire ? Forget it, that's too dangerous. Sure you can shield whatever idiot has enough of a death wish to get in against the heat, but it won't do any good against a falling beam or breathing poisonous fumes. Or simply keep them from being trapped in the basemant when the house gets down, which it can do anytime.

Now that the nearby houses are secured, I'd rather let the fire burn itself out. I've dabbled a bit with alchemy, and most of the really bad stuff gets harmless ? or close to it ? when it's burned. Inside it will be bad, but out in the open I don't think there will be a serious problem. I'd rather stay upwind to be on the safe side, but I'm not worried."

Faa paused to look at the fire "And we'd better use dirt to finish the last embers rather than water. I don't want something nasty seeping into the ground and to the wells. But we'd better find argonian workers for the cleanup. Yffre knows what crap will survive the fire, only someone immune to poison will be safe down in the basemant."

Maldrid was doing the best he could to help put out the fires. The most that he could contribute was following what other people asked him to do or what the Legion told him to do. He felt a little helpless that he could not do more than that. He had no information on the fire that would be useful. He had no in-depth understanding of putting out fires, the most he could do in that situation would be to be a part of the line of buckets that would be carrying water for putting it out. Maldrid's knowledge went to performing odd jobs here and there for anyone that would be hiring and enough knowledge in combat to keep himself alive in a hostile wilderness. After the buildings were demolished all Maldrid could do now was stand back and watch.

He watched as the forty soldiers continued to take apart the homes and the alchemist's shop. The didn't go into the building due to that being the flame's source. They removed any debris that could potentially catch fire and give them more of a problem. Maldrid noticed that the basemant of the shop seemed to be emitting most of the heat that allowed the flame to keep lit. He could only imagine the things that an alchemist would have in there. Many exotic herbs and poultices that could cure, or worsen, a person's condition. Poisons that could kill a man in seconds. Maldrid would rather keep his thoughts from that at the moment. It wouldn't get him anywhere.

"First off, kid, no offense taken. The damn Empire can burn for all I care. Would probably make things easier for a guy like me to find a job, anyway. And boy, can I tell you some horror stories about the Empire. I was raised into it, after all. I witnessed some of their atrocities, and some of their kindness. They're an army just like any other, only honorable so long as no one important is watching. And once the nobles are away, the soldiers play."

"As for why I'm doing this, it's because I have no other choice. Ironic, though, ain't it? The very group that's ruined my life, not for the first time mind you, is the one I'm joining in the end. Under other circumstances, I would kill myself first. But I refuse to die in this cesspit of a province. If I die somewhere, it's going to be in my homeland, nowhere else. And to all those idiots that think it's honorable to die on the field of battle, what's the point of having honor when you're dead? Won't do you much good in the next life, now will it?"

"I'll tell you what. I've met the Legion council in the Imperial City. The great, big bastards that rule with an iron fist. They're no more invulnerable to the sins of man than anyone else. The only difference is that they have the power to make all their bad qualities go away in the public eye. Same as any politician, only these politicians are the ones that rule the world," Lucius said, opening one eye to look at the young man. "A frightening thought, isn't it?"

The boy had wide open eyes now, shocked to finally find someone he could agree with.

"Truly. Where you ever involved with the Oblivion crisis? They made such a mess out of it! To think the fate of Tamriel rested with some former prisoner! The Legion denies that their champion was ever detained; of course, only gullible fools find them credible. Maybe it's a blessing though, y'know... with the Septims gone and all..."

He glanced nervously at his master. Satisfied with seeing him still making a cacophony of his snores, he continued.

"A free Tamriel! What an incredible thought. An opportunity too... because the loyalists won't stand for having no emperor for long. They'll find some puppet to take his place, claiming him to be somehow related. I wouldn't be surprised if suddenly the purported 'Champion of Cyrodiil' was crowned, citing them as another bastard child. I'll tell you one thing... that "hero" is a bastard alright, if not an outright fabrication of the Empire. I've heard rumors involving just about everything... a Dark Brotherhood assassin, the Grey Fox, even the Madgod! There is no way one mortal could fill so many possible roles. Hell, people don't even seem able to agree on their race!"

He gesticulated wildly as he finished his last statement.

"The point is, the Empire will do anything to keep commoners in check. That's what this whole scheme in Black Marsh is about, y'know. Keeping people in line. Someday, I hope to help fix this. I've learned writing from my work here at C&E, and maybe I can use that to spread the word. Tamriel needs more great thinkers like you. I mistook you when you first stepped inside."

Glancing quickly at his master again, he continued slowly and cautiously. "Do me a favor when you arrive in Gideon. An Imperial that goes by the name of Jonus Tiberius lives in a manor in the gardens district. As loyal a subject as there could be. I have a letter I'd very much like for him to have. Would you deliver it?"

The apprentice finished the forms and slid them across the desk. He was shaking, visibly nervous again.

This is going to mean a lot for the future of Tamriel. They think me a mere lad, but they'll be grateful for my contribution to a free Tamriel, someday. Someday not too long from now.

***

"You want to send someone in that fire ? Forget it, that's too dangerous. Sure you can shield whatever idiot has enough of a death wish to get in against the heat, but it won't do any good against a falling beam or breathing poisonous fumes. Or simply keep them from being trapped in the basemant when the house gets down, which it can do anytime. Now that the nearby houses are secured, I'd rather let the fire burn itself out. I've dabbled a bit with alchemy, and most of the really bad stuff gets harmless ? or close to it ? when it's burned. Inside it will be bad, but out in the open I don't think there will be a serious problem. I'd rather stay upwind to be on the safe side, but I'm not worried."

Fara paused to look at the fire "And we'd better use dirt to finish the last embers rather than water. I don't want something nasty seeping into the ground and to the wells. But we'd better find argonian workers for the cleanup. Yffre knows what crap will survive the fire, only someone immune to poison will be safe down in the basemant."

The master of the local guildhall looked her way. "I can protect anyone from the poisons if they can protect themselves from the flames!"

Vilvan held up a hand. "Private, are you sure you can keep this fire contained until it burns down? It could take many grueling hours longer before it is safe. Still, it's a better idea than sacrificing some noble s'wit hoping to appease it."

"You can't do that! It'll take too much effort! We don't have the time."

"Sure we do. This blaze can be conventionally and safely controlled."

"How would you know?"

"How would you?"

The mage stammered at first, but composed himself again quickly.

"Just try and trust my better judgment. Lives may depend on it!"

Vilvan turned to face the busy town. "Does anyone here volunteer? This is our mage friend's last chance. Otherwise, we're going to do this the hard way."

The mage looked indignant, but remained silent. The crowd gave him a cursory glance, but none of the commoners stepped forward. Vilvan looked between them, waiting a minute more to see if anyone would be up to the task.

Imperial Settlement of Helnim Wall - Morrowind Province

Flaminica Pallas Flaminia Sulca

This was her moment. She knew she could weather the flames if that mage could protect her from whatever was in there. It was risky, but important things usually were. None of the citizenry seemed remotely interested in their civic duty, so it would be up to her--a stranger to this settlement--to do what they would not. That was the way she had been brought up.

Pallas stepped forward. "I can cast fire shields. I would be able to withstand the flames."

Fara listened with a growing incredulity the mage insisting for sending someone into the fire, and didn't like it. Now that I think of it, how comes the greybeard knows about what Anarion's got stashed ? either he provided the raw materials or he's the buyer. But why would any of them need so much of that sort of crap ?

"The fire is contained ? I've removed whatever might burn and was too close. As long as we keep the walls soaked the houses nearby are safe now that the two closest ones are gone. Unless the old fool has stored explosive mixtures along with the incendiary ones." She gave the mage a mean look "You seem pretty familiar with Anarion's stockpile. Have you heard of that, or some crap like death smoke ?"

She hoped that they were no such things to be found. Explosives were bad enough but the incense-like substance would be a problem. Being designed to be burned and release toxic fumes, the byproducts would pass unharmed through the fire. The Legion had dabbled with the mixture but abandoned it as too unpredictable. Even for clearing a cave as it could linger on to kill the cleanup crews.

When Pallas proposed herself, Fara felt a pang of worry. She couldn't tell for sure why, but she didn't like the idea she would risk her life into the fire.

"It could work, but there's another problem. I've been in the the moron's shop a few times and he don't bother with labels. Thinks they're 'crutches for the lesser races's inferior minds' or something like that, and it makes a burglar's job harder. It won't help finding the right bottles amongst what he's got in his basemant." She looked at the Mage "Now that I think of it, can you do the reverse ? Protect yourself from the poison while she shields you from the fire ? You seem to know enough about the late Anarion's stash to find the good crate on the first try."

OOC: I'm going to start using tags like Lady Nibenay to make it easier for people to know which posts address their character in particular.

"The fire is contained ? I've removed whatever might burn and was too close. As long as we keep the walls soaked the houses nearby are safe now that the two closest ones are gone. Unless the old fool has stored explosive mixtures along with the incendiary ones." She gave the mage a mean look "You seem pretty familiar with Anarion's stockpile. Have you heard of that, or some crap like death smoke ?"

The mage blatantly ignored the private accosting him, with the exception of a quick glare in her general direction. "Anyone volunteer?"

Pallas stepped forward. "I can cast fire shields. I would be able to withstand the flames."

The mage suddenly heaved a great sigh of relief. "Wonderful! Please... come he-"

"It could work, but there's another problem. I've been in the the moron's shop a few times and he don't bother with labels. Thinks they're 'crutches for the lesser races's inferior minds' or something like that, and it makes a burglar's job harder. It won't help finding the right bottles amongst what he's got in his basemant." She looked at the Mage "Now that I think of it, can you do the reverse ? Protect yourself from the poison while she shields you from the fire ? You seem to know enough about the late Anarion's stash to find the good crate on the first try."

The mage started stammering again, with Vilvan piping up. "Fara, you're a genius! What a wonderful way to reduce risk, and have the mage's guild make amends, eh, sir?" He narrowed his eyes and beamed impishly at the master of the guildhall.

"Well... you know...it isn't our fault... I'm too old to do this quickly...I have so much that needs to be attended to following this incident... I couldn't possibly..."

Vilvan smiled even wider. "Nonsense! With someone of your expertise, the chances of fouling up are next to nothing! You'll be completely safe, as long as you trust in your own ability."

"What about the girl? She's so young! I can't possibly have my life depending on a spell of her crafting!"

"What are you talking about? A moment ago you were all for her going in on her own. Hmm?"

The mage sputtered and fumed, but the apprentices that accompanied him finally stepped in. "Enough of this. Let her decide what she wants to do. Fair lady, will you nobly venture in yourself for honor, or would you have our elderly master put his life on the line in your stead?"

"That's not quite a fair way of putting things. Not to mention you still haven't answered how you know of this stockpile."

The mages pointedly ignored Vilvan, directing all their attention on Pallas. The oldest of them spoke up. "Answer swiftly. Approach if you want to go in there yourself. Otherwise prepare your spell for our most noble master."

Vilvan discreetly found his way into Fara's presence. "She's suicidal if she agrees to this. Shall we intervene? Or should we let her seal her own fate?" He glanced back at the mages, waiting for his response.

TAG: Lady Nibenay, Manu

"The Crisis," Lucius muttered, half to the boy, half to himself. He only barely heard his words after that, caught in thought. He did catch his request though.

"Yes. I can deliver your letter. It won't be an issue."

Lucius leaned back in his chair again, facing the ceiling of the building as he closed his eyes, going back into thought. "Not an issue at all," Lucius muttered.

He drifted off into his own thoughts, wondering what was going on outside. The room had suddenly become very stuffy. It made him uncomfortable. The Crisis. Yeah, I was part of the Crisis.

An image flashed through his mind, that of his great city of Kvatch burning before his eyes. The waves of Daedra pouring over the walls, and the great weapon they used to smash the gates aside like it was nothing more than a stick. He remembered how the sky had been the darkest shade of red to match the ground that had run red with the blood of the innocent. Where was the Legion then? Where were the protectors of Cyrodiil? Nowhere in sight.

He leaned forward again suddenly, his eyes open and a grin nearly splitting his face in two. "No, it won't be an issue at all."

He got up from his seat and walked over to the boy's desk. He picked up the forms and looked them over, then looked back at the young apprentice. "But I hope your dear master hasn't heard any of this. I doubt he would be pleased."

OOC: Short, but I'm tired and trying to make due.

Fara listened with a growing irritation the mage's arguments. Yeah right same old tricks as the Legion 'hey let's sent some young and dumb gloryhound risk his skin for the old farts up the command chain's benefit'. It grow old on me...

She answered to Vivlan in a whisper. "Maybe not suicidal, simply too young to have common sense tampering sense of duty... Even if I'm pretty sure there's something fishy with these poison story. Something the mages would rather slip quietly under the rug."

She continued in a normal voice "Forget it. Unless there's a real danger to the town from what's burning down there I won't let anyone risk his or her skin in the fire.". Fara lowered her voice a bit, making sure she wouldn't be heard beyond her, Vivlan, Pallas and the pair of mages. Looking straight at the older mage "Some food for your thought sir. If there's something down there that might embarrass your guild, what would be the best way to get rid of it ? Letting it burn to indistinguishable ashes, or drag it out of the fire in front of close to one hundred witnesses ?"

The Imperial warrior muttered to himself before answering the request of the Census and Excise worker.

"Yes. I can deliver your letter. It won't be an issue."

Lucius leaned back in his chair again, facing the ceiling of the building as he closed his eyes, going back into thought. "Not an issue at all," Lucius muttered.

The apprentice watched curiously as the man seemed to spirit himself away to another time. He leaned forward again suddenly, his eyes open and a grin nearly splitting his face in two. "No, it won't be an issue at all."

He got up from his seat and walked over to the boy's desk. He picked up the forms and looked them over, then looked back at the young apprentice. "But I hope your dear master hasn't heard any of this. I doubt he would be pleased."

"Naturally. Soon enough, however, he will be as dead as the Empire. His senses are as such already."

He quickly unlocked a drawer and pulled out a small and ornately adorned wooden box. A second lock was nervously undone and the letter withdrawn. His face contorted into something bizarre, half-hopeful and half-afraid. He slid the letter across the desk towards Lucius as rapidly as he had retrieved it.

The envelop was unmarked and quite damp. The paper was of a brownish hue, though it appeared as if it had been stained that color rather than possessing it initially. A crimson handprint insignia sealed it, with a distorted skull replacing each fingerprint.

He chuckled softly. "Don't mind the ominous appearance. The content is actually rather mundane, though I will trust you not to discover that for yourself. Remember: Jonus Tiberius. Gardens district in Gideon. Here. Do with this as you will."

He withdrew a cloth sack from the same box he had kept the letter in, tossing it to Lucius. There was the unmistakable sound of a fair sum of gold upon its landing.

"The tax-payers of Helnim Wall will thank you, someday. That's 250 drakes. Good day to you."

***

Maybe not suicidal, simply too young to have common sense tampering sense of duty... Even if I'm pretty sure there's something fishy with these poison story. Something the mages would rather slip quietly under the rug. Forget it. Unless there's a real danger to the town from what's burning down there I won't let anyone risk his or her skin in the fire."

"Some food for your thought sir. Is there something down there that might embarrass you guild, what would be the best way to get rid of it ? Letting it burn to indistinguishable ashes, or drag it out of the fire in front of close to one hundred witnesses ?"

"Hey! Hey, cool it. We shouldn't be pressuring him further, we really don't want to be pissing off one of the most powerful men in town more than we have to."

Too late. He had heard.

"Are you trying to imply something, Bosmer?" the mage asked warily. "Your folk might know something about successfully executing crimes, but I assure everyone here that we have nothing to hide! That would be foolish. Revealing some hypothetical sin in front of the Legion? The guild, one of the Empire's most trusted allies? Never!"

Vilvan rolled his eyes. Suddenly it struck him that Pelena was still missing.

"Fara, you keep a close eye on him. I'm going to see where Lady Amatius has gotten off to. Better go talk that priestess out of it now if you want to be friends later. Seeya."

Vilvan trotted away from the crowd as the mage returned to pressuring Pallas.

What is the guild up to now? Something about this whole ordeal seems queer, and I should know. I knew some folk that believed in the Tribunal.

Fara scowled back at the mage. She usually didn't bother reacting to dismissive comments about the bosmer's moral fiber, but coming on top of her effort to control the fire it grated on a raw nerve. "Yeah right you're as pure and clean as driven snow... Then how comes you're so eager to get some crate of frigging poison recovered ? And how do you know about it in the first place, unless someone in the guild ordered it, mixed it for Anarion or provided the supplies for them."

She raised a hand to silence objection "I don't mean the whole Helnim Wall guild is in it. But my impression is that you've just found one of yours did something he shouldn't have, and having the whole affair blowing out in the open would be embarrassing. Wouldn't be the first that sort of things happen. What do I have personally seen during my Legion time...

A legion captain selling patrol routes to slaver parties. A band of Fighters Guild men doing banditry and legbreaking on the side. A Nine Divines priest doing quite a bit of simony to butter his bread and selling kids from his oprhanage into adoption to pimps. An East empire factor paying the afore mentioned Fighters to destroy farms to buy the land on the cheap. A Mage raiding dunmer tombs of their valuables and remains to keep supplied his experiments in replicating the bonewalkers..."

Fara stopped her enumeration "And that's in the last two years. There's no shortage of rotten apples ready to slip in whatever basket they might find. What I'm suggesting is to leave the damn stuff burn away in the fire. That would let you the chance to settle quietly the matter of who in your Guildhall dealt with Anarion. And from my side of the fence, it means I won't have to worry about someone getting hurt in the fire when there's not need to."

Imperial Settlement of Helnim Wall - Morrowind Province

Flaminica Pallas Flaminia Sulca

Her heart was beating furiously. She remembered from anatomy lessons that the heart was contained in the chest, yet she could hear it beating loudly in her head. It was as if it were a reified metaphor for her own nervousness. She briefly pondered on the poetic beauty of all that, and almost missed the next exchange.

She was still convinced that it was her duty to do the right thing, and she was almost swayed by the reference to noble deeds--but something gave her pause. The poems would have called it the wisdom of Kynareth floating down from the skys (somehow, Julianos did not seem like the dramatic type) but this time she identified the source of her hesitation.

The Bosmer legionary, who had been kind to her before, was considerably opposed to the idea of Pallas going in. So too was her commander, before she had vanished. She had no reason to distrust either of them. She dimly recalled some old aphorism about discretion and valour, and it occured to her that while a noble sacrifice might be a worthy end, losing her life in a diminishing fire was not necessarily noble.

"It would be of little value were I to volunteer and prove unable to identify the source of the fire. It is indeed best for an expert to venture forth--fear not about my ability: I am a servant of the gods."

She glanced at the Bosmer and gave her a little smile of thanks. She had saved her life again.

Fara scowled back at the mage.

"Yeah right you're as pure and clean as driven snow... Then how comes you're so eager to get some crate of frigging poison recovered ? And how do you know about it in the first place, unless someone in the guild ordered it, mixed it for Anarion or provided the supplies for them."

She raised a hand to silence objection, proceeding with a discourse on the evils she had witnessed and why that meant that the guild master was better off resolving his own conflict. He began formulating s counter argument in his mind, but his thoughts were quickly interrupted.

"It would be of little value were I to volunteer and prove unable to identify the source of the fire. It is indeed best for an expert to venture forth--fear not about my ability: I am a servant of the gods."

His stormy eyes turned to Pallas, contemptuously watching her share a smile with the Bosmer who had dared oppose his will. “Fine! By all means, conspire against me. So much for the nobility of the Empire and its Gods. I'll be trusting no spell of yours, though. The Legion and the Cult have both proven their true worth.” He made several elaborate gestures, ending with a green flame emanating from his palm and swelling up to form a great bubble around himself. He was now safe from any toxins present in the shop.

“As for the fire itself? You had a means prepared before this priestess made her kind offer?”

“Hold your tongue, Dunmer. I'm not going to expend anything valuable when there could be a renewable substitute.” A vial of vivid red liquid was withdrawn from a pocket in his robes. The smell of some exotic spice filled the air as it was uncapped.

Vilvan looked incredulously at the man as he put the container to his lips and slurped up the concoction audibly. “You mean to say this could have been resolved as soon as you got here?! Bother all this filth with volunteering, miserable coward!”

Boos and shouts of disapproval chased the mage into the fiery hellhole; the crowd had certainly agreed with Vilvan's appraisal of the situation. The fire continued, looking unnaturally regular in the way it licked around the edges of the building and shot up plumes of smoke into the afternoon sky. The scene could almost be described as majestic despite the possible destruction that could be wrought. The backdrop to the crimson flames deepened into purple as the mage searched inside the ruined building.

After some moments of apprehension he finally returned, holding a bizarre pulsating orb. Forward charged the apprentices, who began muttering incantations and waving their hand solemnly over the object. Vilvan crept forward and peered at it closely. He realized after a brief moment of observation that a second great fire was contained within the globe, blasts of flame in unending movement creating a myriad swirl of hot colors. As he watched them spin, the intensity of their hue lessened until they were completely desaturated. The movement slowed and ceased, those who were listening closely heard crackling and popping as it solidified into a very solid and sturdy grey.

The onlookers were captivated by the magic, and the master himself performed the final touch by grasping the sides of the object until it became absolutely smooth.

“It's stone now. Proceed how you with, lackeys of the Empire.” His embarrassment was dulled by his pride at dominating the attention of the crowd, so he turned back to the guild with an air of pompousness and a shield of his pupils surrounding him.

Sighs of relief escaped from the commoners. The remaining fire was doused almost immediately.

“Gods bless the Guild.”

Vilvan eyed the commoner warily, thinking about how horrendously thick one would have to be to utter that statement after what had just occurred. Did you listen to a word Fara just said? They had something devious prepared in there. They knew about what they were up against because they were involved with its birth. I'm surrounded by s'wits everywhere. Good Gods.

The town remained gathered near the market square for some time, muttering and spreading rumors.

“Hey! Shouldn't the Legion be figuring out why the hell this happened? Shouldn't they figure out why Anarion is dead? Or are you just going to ignore the charred body because he wasn't filing his taxes properly.”

Vilvan didn't even turn to face the grubby village dweller as he turned to his next matter of business.

“Priorities, citizen. We'll look into it. Currently however, I am afraid I'd much rather look after the living than the dead. Lady Amatius never returned.” He distanced himself from the dissatisfied villager quickly, picking out a few troopers in the crowd. “The town's business has been greatly neglected. I need some people to do overtime and attend to a few things. Dealing with the preliminary investigation of the death of Anarion, for one. Checking up on the gates, for another. Infinitely preferable option, no?” That drew a mild chuckle from a single trooper, but his mirth died down as the others eyed right back into his former sense of gravity. “I'm being honest here. None of you bothered to check on them while the Guild was doing its wizardry .”

“You didn't think of that there, either,” protested one.

“I want to keep an eye on Guild affairs. I need to talk with them. Lady Amatius is still in their hall, I think. She never did return to attending to the fire.”

“She didn't? Not surprised at all, damn lazy little...”

Vilvan ignored the pettier attitude and continued. “So we can start with that. I want you to either spread the word or return to your former post.”

“Better be a couple extra drakes for this one.”

“Don't count on it, trooper.”

With that, Vilvan set off for the guild hall and the town slowly dispersed and returned to their own affairs. A few people had been waiting at the gates. A couple of travelers finding an inn for a night constantly complained, but a second cloaked figure only asked to be taken to the local Census and Excise Office on an important errand.

One other trooper was returning from the office with a list of names. Any Legion members assuring their participation in the coming excursion could take the night off and return to the barracks. Most of the soldiers planning on being absent were not tempted by the offer, but they were forgiven by most for their labors that night and supposed intelligence in refusing. The volunteers who were not part of the Legion were all granted a free night at the local inn, with promises that they would keep the establishment exclusive to them and a few Legion body guards.

The Dunmer innskeep was hardly compensated, but he was too tired to resist the Legion bullying. His resentment of them increased, but he didn't heckle his new patrons that would be staying free of charge. They'll all be dead soon enough anyways. He had a very sweet dream of hundreds of violent deaths in the marsh, but that is not of much importance to our story.

For now, the good people involved with the Black Marsh expedition could have at least one good night's sleep to rely on before their adventure, and possibly some time to get to know each other before they would be depending on each other. Before entering the guild hall, even Vilvan turned back and saw the poignant scene of the Serpent constellation alight above the inn.

An omen, I take it. Most cursed are we already. Or maybe, just maybe, the most blessed. Vilvan looked up to the heavens with a grin on his face. “That means I'm counting on you, Akatosh. Keep standing watch in the Imperial City, but turn an eye our way and grant us your expedience.” He gave a sincere salute as he whispered these things, and turned back to enter the guild hall.

OOC: Whoah! I have a feeling this is going to translate to a long post. I know how it can be with the school year currently in play, so this is for those of you without time to spare for a while:

-The fire is finally out
-Vilvan is entering the guild hall to find Pelena. Those interested may participate.
-Otherwise, volunteers are retiring to the inn. Get to know each other! I beg you!
-Something of importance has just arrived in town. Next time I post, it may be to set off!

:rofl: I can't believe I feel the need to provide sparknotes for my own RP. It really isn't too long, but I'd still feel guilty if someone wanted to add something but didn't have the time to read through all that. Don't use this as an excuse to completely skip it, though. I tried my best to make it a good read. Setting off soon! A second chance to join in at an opportune moment should also be arriving shortly, if anyone happens to lurk their way here. PM me if you're interested. Otherwise, thank you all for sticking through with a noob host this far. I'm very grateful to have some truly talented writers aboard.

Fara felt thoroughly disgusted by the Mage's dismissal of the Temple and Legion. She didn't bother with voicing her opinion while the mage prepared himself to get inside, but fervently wished for a burning beam would fall on his head. And was disappointed as he came out unscathed, under the crowd's adulation. What a bunch of morons. The pompous bastard needs a block and tackle to haul his backside there and is eager to risk someone else's skin. He makes a fancy show after I've sweated buckets to contain the fire, and they fawn over him as if he did all the work...

Once he was out she commented loud enough for the bystander to hear. "Yeah right the Mages deserve all the prize. Pure bullcrap. If we had been up as slow as the Guild, the whole marketplace and two city blocks would heave been ablaze. And if he had been willing to move his lazy hindquarter half an hour sooner, two families would still have a roof over their heads... Praize to the Guild indeed..."

Once things were under control and the crowd started to disperse, Fara felt a strong desire to call it a day, but she wasn't done yet. With the content of two houses piled nearby, her task wasn't completely finished. Fortunately the market had plenty of carts, and with the legionnaires still around there was more than enough arms to pack the exposed furnitures and possessions, then transport them to the temporary shelter of their owner's relatives. Fortunately it had been obvious enough that the houses were going to burn that the owners didn't hold the Legion responsible for the loss of their homes. At least not yet... I wouldn't be surprised if they pin the blame on us later.

OOC: Sorry it's taken me so long to post. Been busy all week and haven't had any time to get to my computer. I'll probably remain that way for a while now, if things keep up, so posts from me aren't going to come along very often. I'll try my best to keep up though.



Lucius grinned as he caught the cloth sack. It sounded like money, which was more than enough to satisfy the man. He then picked up the letter and examined it for a moment, before slipping it in his back pocket. "I'll make sure your letter gets to its destination, don't you worry. Lucius Jucanis always fulfills his side of a bargain, I'll guarantee you that. Just do my a favor, and don't mention my name to anyone if you can help it. I get the feeling a few people might not welcome anywhere near them. Good day."

With that, Lucius flashed the young man another grin and turned to leave the office. As soon as he was outside, he noticed the lack of a fire. "Hmph. I knew they'd get it out eventually, just a matter of..."

Lucius trailed off as he noticed the Dunmer from the barfight before walking off towards the Mage's Guild. Now what's going on there, I wonder?

Although he was curious, he wasn't quite curious enough to bother going after him. Whatever the Dunmer was doing was none of his affair. On the other hand, I don't particularly have anywhere else to go, now do I? Don't want to step foot in the inn after all the trouble I caused there; damn Dunmer would probably throw me out.

Shrugging, he decided to follow the Legionnaire after all. He was all for humiliating some mages after all, and that seemed the most likely result of whatever was going to happen. He walked across the town towards the Dunmer and watched the dispersing crowd of people headed back towards their homes. Amazing how one little fire will make everyone come out of their own little worlds. You'd think it was the end of the world or something.

As he got closer to the Dunmer, he noticed he was saluting something. Lucius raised an eyebrow and chuckled slightly. "Hey, Dark Elf. I don't think I ever thanked you for helping me out in the fight at the inn. So thanks, I guess. You need any help? I don't have anywhere to be, and I figure I could return the favor, just in case. Name's Lucius," the Imperial said with a smirk. Whether the Dunmer accepted his offer or not didn't much matter. He was planning on going along anyway, if only because he was bored.

OOC: My apologies for the wait. I had to catch up on schoolwork due to a bout of the flu, but I'm finally back on track and ready to resume posting at a more regular frequency.

A lone trooper made his way through the now deserted streets, glancing towards the guild and the two men conversing there. Ignoring them, he picked up his pace until he arrived at the scene of the fire. Another Legionnaire was crouching over the ashes, staring at the charred corpse blankly.

"Didn't leave his shop. Must've happened fast."

"Sure. Whatever you say. Gods though, what a waste. We'll be dealing with the displaced commoners for a long time to come. Anarion's death is just barely compensation."

"Don't say that! It's not going to help things. Show some respect for the dead."

"More important that we keep an eye on our own welfare at the moment. Soon, half the town is going to be dead. I got buddies who still believe their honor relies on accepting the mission from Amatius. Speaking of which, I'm looking for her. Seen her around?"

"Vilvan went to find her. Was headed towards the guild hall, I think."

The trooper rolled his eyes, sighing. "I was just there. Forget this. Someone else can deal with it..."

"It's not all that far away."

The trooper was already walking away by the time his comrade offered his small argument. He looked about, spying Private Fara amidst the men helping relocate the unfortunate peasants that had lost their homes to the flames.

"Hey, there! Falla, isn't it? Or Faro? Never mind that, I got a job for you. Someone had just arrived in town with a letter. They want to speak with Amatius, but the letter doesn't have to be delivered personally. Would you give it to her when you next meet? I'm busy helping with the investigation."

He proffered the letter from his satchel and extended an arm before she even answered, staring intently at her with a malevolent gleam in his eyes and a wide smile on his face.

***

Vilvan shuddered as he heard someone chuckle behind him. He hadn't heard anyone behind him, and he thought he was alone. The darkness must have concealed him.

"Hey, Dark Elf. I don't think I never thanked you for helping me out in the fight at the inn. So thanks, I guess. You need any help? I don't have anywhere to be, and I figure I could return the favor, just in case. Name's Lucius," the Imperial said with a smirk.

"Hail, Lucius," he replied, testing the name cautiously. He peered closely, narrowing his eyes as the face came into the light from a nearby lamp illuminating the entrance. Seemed a little familiar.

"I wouldn't recognize you from it, but I'll buy it. Looks like you can handle yourself in a fight."

"Better than you can," retorted the still smirking Imperial.

Vilvan frowned for a moment, but than broke into a chuckle. "Fair enough. I accept your thanks and the offer of help. Ha! Shouldn't be to hard to coerce the master of the hall now, if it comes to that. Let's go."

The guildhall of Helnim Wall was built in an older fashion, with sprawling narrow stone corridors and walls adorned with strange symbols and carving of ferocious animals. One such hallway was suddenly filled with a dull light as the heavy wooden doors were pushed open.

Vilvan scratched his head as he gazed across the maze of passages before him.

"Feh. Makes me wish I was back on Vvardenfell again. Communities feel tighter-knit; I actually didn't mind the small local guild halls as much. These guys are worse than the Telvanni. Which way should we go?"

He turned to a nearby table and started fiddling with the instruments and knick-knacks that had been meticulously placed as to be perfectly pleasing to the eye. He set them back askew, a childish delight swelling through him.

"Well then. Any ideas?"

TAG: Manu, Ambrose

With the fire extinguished and the two families and their belongings relocated, Fara went for a closer look at what remained of Anarion's shop. She wasn't an investigator, but years of hunting and scouting had given her some practice at reading a place. Unfortunately the combination of a hard packed dirt and the first attempts made to extinguish meant no tracks could be found. But they were still some clues. The body's straight by the door, but he's lying on his back. That's odd, even if he got downed by the fumes he should have been crawling on his belly. And he didn't even shield his face. Looks like he was either passed out or already dead. He's too cooked to spot flesh wounds but I can't see broken bones.

As her eyes drifted over the scene she had a feeling something was missing but couldn't find why for a while. Until it finally dawned on her. Where's that's fancy brass doorknob he was so proud of ? It and the doors where his hovel's single properly maintained spot. Mmhh from the look of the lock it looks like it has been broken and taken away. Struck from the side from the way the pivot is broken. Doesn't make much sense. You don't do that for a breaking and entering job, especially during the day with the door unlocked... Andeven less with the old curmudgeon ready to spill nastiness on you. Let's see if I can put the pieces into some meaningful order. Some gonk comes and breaks the doorknob. For fun, to piss off Anarions, because he's too brutish and drunk to use it... whatever. Anarion pounces on him in a fury, the moron hits him back. Kills him or thinks he's done so. Then he panics and torch the place to cover his tracks. Sounds plausible, but maybe the traders and neighbors have seen more.

She was drawn out from her reflexion by a voice mangling her name. She turned to face a trooper asking her to bring a letter to Lady Amatius. Damn, the jerks outranks me, I can't send him packing. And I really don't like that look in his eyes. The smile's about as true as a joygirl's virtue... 'A letter from some guy just arrived in town'. Why not go straight to the fort to deliver it f you're clean or even give a name. That smells fishy.

she answered, standing at a decent approximation of attention "It's Fara Sir. Of course, I'll give it to her. Who are those peoples Sir ? I'll need to tell the Champion Amatius where the letter comes from.". She kept her eyes on the the man, watching his stance for possible trouble while presenting her hand to get the letter.

"Well then. Any ideas?"

Lucius cracked his neck as he looked around. Stupid mages always have to be so fancy about everything. Honestly, I wonder how often one of them gets lost in this place.

"Hmm... Well, my father always said the direct approach is the best, so why don't we just go straight?"

Lucius's smirk fell slightly as he viewed the place again. "Teh. I don't remember the Guild in Kvatch being this... Gloomy? Complicated? Dusty?"

He inspected one of the walls, which was indeed coated with a thick layer of dust. You'd think a bunch of so called "superior beings" would be able to keep the place clean. The only thing worse than an arrogant mage is a lazy, arrogant mage. The mages back home were a bunch of clean freaks. They definitely had the arrogance though. Heh, got what was coming to em.

"So what, precisely, are we here for anyway?" Lucius asked, turning towards the Dunmer.

OOC: Short I know, but I'm not sure what else to do here, so...