"Well, we don't know for definate if the Tea Merchant did it. But he's our best hope, hopefully Verus when he returns, can shed some light on the situation." Drynos smiled at Velandris as he puffed away on his pipe. Drynos hung his head and stared at the stone floor and played with some pieces of stone that had came out... waiting for a new arrival.

OOC: I have no idea what else to say.

So this female wasn't anyone special then. She had hardly reacted to the mention of the Dark Brotherhood or the Morag Tong at all. It was going to be a shame to have to kill a woman so beautiful. He slipped one of his daggers from a wrist sheathe and advanced on her. "I'm afraid this is goodbye my lady. I can't have you mentioning me to any other people afterall. Usually I wouldn't have saved you and you wouldn't be in such a bad situation, but todays events have changed things, and I can't have you telling the brotherhood I'm around." He flashed her an apologetic smile as he readied his dagger to stab at her.

Ra had continued watching the two down in the street and was thankful he had. They had only been talking for a moment when this new man pulled out a dagger and started advancing on Oglind. A brief thought crossed his mind that he was glad he was born the son of a Khajiit warrior and not the pretty daughter of an Imperial, they always seemed to get in the worst trouble. Then again, who was this guy? He fights off a man that was about to attack a pretty Imperial woman to save her and then he goes ahead and pulls a knife on her anyways?

The instant he started advancing on Oglind though, Ra lept from the roof silently. Just before he hit the ground he tucked his head under him so that when he hit he instantly went into a somersault between Oglind and the man. He slid to a stop between them and slowly stood up, everyone of his sharp feline teeth were showing, and his claws were extended from his hand. He knew Oglind would probably would have been capable of defending himself but he wasn't sure if he would be able to in the form of this woman, so he considered it best to try and intervene.

"This one thinks you should put away you're dagger friend." Ra said with a his and growl. The man looked a little familiar but Ra couldn't guess why. He was guessing Dark Brotherhood for now, it wasn't like a Tong member to randomly kill people; unless he was one of the more bloodthirsty Tong members.

While sitting in the alley, Verus looked through his satchel, and after a moment, he pulled a small vile out that was filled with a dark green liquid. He opened and took small drink from it, draining half of the potion. He then put it back into his satchel and got up off the ground. It will take longer to heal that way, but I have to be careful how much I use. I'm running low on healing potions as it is. He wondered for a moment if he should take a magicka potion as well, but he had even fewer of those than he did healing potions, and he wasn't completely out of magicka yet anyway. Almost, but not quite. Interrupting my spell in mid-charge like that drained a lot of my power, but I'd be even worse off if I had had to change it already finished.

His thoughts then turned back to the man who had stopped him from solving the little mystery surrounding that girl. No one interrupts me. No one makes me look like a fool! NO ONE MAKES ME LOOK WEAK! That man will die, even if I have to track him down and kill him myself. But not now. It will be a short time before my power returns, and when I fight him, it will be at a time and place of my choosing. I will be in control. Then we'll see who's weak!

But the mission comes first. The mission always comes first. I'll plan his demise later, now I must return to the chapel. He then lifted his hood and used what little magicka he had left to activate another invisibility spell. He took the long way there, moving along the opposite side of the city so as to avoid meeting with the man or Celia again. Now that he took some time to think about it, it seemed more and more likely that the man had been Morag Tong. That throw was a skilled one, and if Parthia was right, then who else would be wandering the street this late at night? Only Brotherhood members and drunks, and neither one could have done it. Any member of the Brotherhood would have recognized him, and no drunk was capable of a throw like that. But then why would he protect the girl. Was she a Morag Tong member as well? That might explain the feeling he had about her, and the strange magic he had sensed.

Unfortunately, during his thoughts, he failed to notice that his spell had run out of power. When he finally noticed this, he stopped in his tracks and did a once over of his robe. It now had a blood stain on it, so it would seem as if he would have to obtain a new one. Normally, he wouldn't care about a stain, but having blood on your clothes wasn't exactly a way to get rid of suspicions. He had had this robe for nearly ten years now too. Just another reason to kill that man then.

He did his best to hide the stain as he walked, careful to avoid contact with any patrolling guards or wandering vagrants. By the time he had reached the chapel, he was no longer tired, though he still had a slight limp. He completely ignored the large group outside the chapel, and activated his invisibility spell one last time as he opened the door, with the extremely small amount that had regenerated. It only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough for him to reach the stairs and slip into the undercroft. He quickly walked over to a wall and leaned against it, slipping down into a sitting position.

He looked up at Drynos and motioned towards the blood stain on his robe as he spoke. "I'm afraid I ran into a slight complication before I could extract any useful information from the girl, though I have reason to believe that the Morag Tong are here in this city, and perhaps more than one. I'm still unsure if the Dunmer was truly the arsonist, but if he was also Morag Tong, then it seems likely."

Oglind threw himself back and was ready to draw one of the throwing knives he had hidden before Ra landed between the two allowing Oglind to keep his disquise. Oglind continued on his act and ran inside the Lodge. Be the man Morag Tong or Dark Brotherhood he seemed to be sick in the head and did not need to see Oglind's true form. He'd probably go up to where the actual Celia was and exit the room in that manner. He wished his hard work would have paid off better but sometimes it didn't always work out. It had given him the chance to remember a face however so in that instant he was already at an advantage over the Dark Brotherhood.

OOC: Posting on the run. If anyone needs a reply PM me

As Fanier continued down the street, he spotted Ra standing between a tall dunmer and a little imperial girl. From the look of it, the dunmer didn't seem too friendly. I'd better check it out, he thought. Don't want someone getting hurt, or worse. He calmly walked towards them, watching as neither seemed to make a move.

Fanier reached into his overcoat and placed his hand on his elven shortsword, ready to whip it out should the need arise. The girl just stood there behind Ra. As Fanier got closer, he noticed that Ra looked angry, his teeth were bared, his claws extended. He quickened his pace; now he knew there was something wrong.

As soon a Fanier was close enough, he calmly asked, "What's the matter, is this guy giving you trouble?"

Averus had entered the Undercroft. Velandris had noticed a small stain on his lower leg but didn't get up. He stayed in his position puffing away at his pipe. "I see, So it does put more suspicion on the Tong then." As he svcked in smoke the flame in the pipe lit up his upper face. "Before I say anything I'll wait 'till the others come back. But with Tong presence here, We need to be cautious. Fair warning." He reached into his bag and pulled out a small vial with clear blue liquid inside and tossed it to Averus. You might need that for your little complication. He looked to where he saw the blood stain while he hinted. He knew very well Averus wanted to hide it from Drynos.

With a small discomfort he pulled his back away from the wall and pulled off his quiver and placed it ontop of his traveling robe he had tossed on the floor a logn while ago. He leaned back again and sighed with releife enjoying the rest of his smoking.

When Tadeesa heard the drunken Dunmer talking like that to her, her temper dissappeared. She unsheathed her dagger from its leather sleeve and jumped up, running straight towards the Dunmer.

"I think..." Parthia was unsure. She closed her eyes for a moment in thought, and as her vibrant green orbs appeared again so did her answer. "...some of us should go to Count Indarys. Something like this is unprecedent and he would be are most advantagous vantage point." She was thinking in terms of archery now. A lot of strange things had happened tonight and something needed to get done sooner or later. Most of the other Brotherhood seemed scatter minded and unsure. Of course they hadn't dealt with this before either. "If we go, we should probably go in a small group. Perhaps just Tadeesa, Ticedo and myself."

OOC: Sorry i missed this.

OOC: Also Missed mine. but it was nothing important, pretty much the same as the post you answered.

IC:

Almerelion listened to the words of the Brotherhood members in front of him with amusemant, they did not count on the fact that an old man could move so fast, or be so efficient it seemed.

"My dear Parthia, and whomever you may be, I will speak to you in due course." He said warmly to the acolyte of sithis he had yet to meet, again as if he was a grandfather fondly regarding his favourite grandchildren. A guard walked right past eying the group suspiciously. "I have already taken it upon myself to speak to the count, he has agreed, under fear of death, to provide us with all the information he finds. I will be expecting a full report about all foreigners or strangers to the town whom have entered in the past week. From their we should perhaps work on a process of elimination, capturing and killing every one if we must. You mustn't rush these things, and you shouldn't talk about these things in public. Our first priority, if finding a new place we can call sanctuary. Atleast until the cheydinhal sanctuary is repaired by any means. From there on, we can work on gathering our minds and truly tackling this problem with unbecoming force." he finished, feeling a little breathless.

"Sebastian." He added as an afterthought, gesturing to the shadow of the burnt out building next to him from which Sebastian walked out to reveal himself. "Is my silencer, he will be tailing the count, making sure our problem has his fullest attention." And with that, Sebastian nodded, fell back into the shadows and disappeared from sight, until his job was done.

"And once we have the information we need. I think a trip to Bravil is in order. If this was murder here tonight. We must protect he who hears the nightmothers wishes."

"Would the count allow us to use his cellar" Ticedo questioned spontaniously. "It is as secure as we could get at the moment, and our, relationship with him would make him a quite agreeable host"
Ticedo hobbled over to the nearest wall and leanded into it, he spun his cane to his own amusemant flipping it over the back of his hand repeatidly. He had taken way too much time to practice those parlor tricks but they where fun.

Verus caught the small vile that Velandris tossed to him. He examined it for only a moment before taking the top off and drinking the entire container. While he may wish to conserve his own supplies, he saw no reason to not drink a potion given to him. Besides, if he had given one to someone, he would take it as an insult if they didn't drink it.

He took out the same apple he had been eating before and took one last bite out of it before putting the remains back into his satchel. He then removed his bottle of water and took a drink out of that as well. While sitting there, he became lost in thought again; his mind forming various plans and then discarding them when the success rate dropped or it became too risky. He thought of the Morag Tong and the companions that now surrounded him, making silent comparisons between the two organizations.

He soon came to the conclusion that it would be impossible to create a favorable plan without first acquiring more information, both on his enemies, and his allies. Then, once he had some greater understanding of the situation, could he create a favorable course of action. But then, as they say, no battle plan survives contact with the enemy. In the end, he surmised that the victor would require a great deal of luck, as well as skill to win the day.

Telindius merely stared as the Khajit jumped off the roof of the Newlands Lodge and landed right in front of him. He grinned as the Khajit told him to put away his dagger and continued to advance before suddenly stopping. He vaguely recognized this Khajit. Stopping his advance, he sheathed his dagger and stared. He couldn't place where he knew this overgrown cat from. Then it hit him. He smiled at Ra and slammed rapped a fist against his own chest, muttering a few words as he did so. "Tong, Master Farsight."

OOC: Sorry for not replying sooner my pc died and I had to buy a new one, also sorry for the short post, I'm tired and such.

"Then let's go to the count..." Parthia ran her hands through her hair pulling back her cloak. She felt a bit more assured now, having felt that her side was perhaps more in control then she had thought. This would prove interesting, entering the count's castle. By now he should be asleep and even more terrified to see the Brotherhood. The castle would be to the north west, across the river that went right through Cheydinhal. A lock down on the city would be ideal and hoped that is what would be asked for. "I'll walk with you." Parthia said turning to the older vampire.

"I'm coming" Ticedo said pushing off of the wall with his arm, "Stay together, less chance of, well, dying" He hobblrd over to Parthia and the older vampire. Ticedo had no idea why he had volenteered, if anything he should leave immediatly before the Altmer he had been pursuing left town, he could not decide what was more important. In the mean time the arsonist was probably still near byand he was an old cripple so he needed to stay close to those who could protect him.

OOC: A nice long post i thought id show life through the eyes of sebastian for a while

IC:

Almerion sighed and nodded, he did not like the idea of sharing a castle with guards who would kill them, or try to, without a second thought. But it was short notice and they needed to regroup quickly so he resigned to the idea.

"Very well, take my arm, help an old man walk Parthia." He said loudly to the pretty bosmer, "Help an old man develop a disguise and fool the guards." He added in an undertone with a wink so only she could hear.

He looked over to the shadows, as he expected, Sebastian was still watching and listening, as their eyes met Sebastian nodded and disappeared again, and began to run to the castle for a second visit that night.

As he weaved through the buildings heading northwest over the river, he removed a rope from his travel sack, winding it around his right arm three times and holding the rest of it in his left, before throwing it over his shoulder and tying it around his waist.

He liked Cheydinhal, the architecture was suitable for his needs, and the trees helped when scaling the city walls, which was exactly what he was planning to do. He grew level to the castle, parallel to it on the western side of the building, There where only two guards within view from what he could see, both at the castle doors, and both where to inept to notice him at a distance, he didn't blame them.

He placed a foot on the tree and pushed himself upwards, high enough to grab one of the bottom branches. He pulled himself up, keeping movement slow and minimal as he did, the more movement you make the noisier you are.

One of the guards looked towards where he was squinting, he didn't think he'd been spotted, but it was better to be safe, he froze where he was. He watched as the other guard walked over and they began talking loudly, Sebastian opened his mouth a little, he always found he could hear better if the small noises his mouth made when breathing or moving where released instead of contained inside his head and amplified.

He could barely hear what they where saying, the lactic acid building in his still muscles was beginning to distract him, he could feel himself slipping slowly backwards from the tree. Just in time the front door opened. He used the noise of the heavy wooden door on strained hinges to his advantage and scrambled upwards.

With a great push from the tree, he launched himself to the city walls, barely grabbing on in time. As he pulled himself slowly upwards he could see a silhouette moving along away from him, towards his target. With a burst of speed he ran along the wall, jumping off onto the walkway and pushing his elbow into the mans collar bone. There was a great crack as the combined force of gravity and momentum brought Sebastians elbow into meet the bone and the man fell down to the floor.

Sebastian places an olive skinned hand over the mans mouth and a knee on his uninjured arm to stop him from lashing out and making noise. With his free hand he pressed down hard on the guards ceratoid artery, the imperial struggled against Sebastian for a few seconds before he went limp and his eyes rolled back. He wasn't dead, he'd be unconscious for fifteen seconds. This was all the time Sebastian needed, but he still didn't want the guard alerting the watch to his presence after he woke up and his confusion and vertigo worked its way out. With a little more pressure Sebastian pushed down for a few seconds longer. The man was dead.

He toyed with the idea of tossing him over the city walls, but that wasn't a necessity, disguising the kill as a hostile attack would suffice, so instead of lugging the mans weight towards the edge of the wall, he loaded an arrow and drew back, shooting it into the mans chest from a forty five degree angle, he wanted it to look as if the arrow had struck him from a great distance downward. When the guards found him they would think a rogue bandit would have shot him and they would search the nearby woods for hostile groups who would pose a threat to the city. This would please Almerion, the Darkbrotherhood would operate more efficiently without so many guards in the city, even just for a short while.

He got to his target area, and moved backwards breathing heavily. The adrenaline from such acts invigorated him, and gave him reason to fight on through life. He took a deep breath and counted slowly to three and ran forward, pushing off with one foot and reaching out for the roof of the castle. He exhaled as he landed and allowed himself to slide down a little on the slate roof. He spent a few minutes trying to locate the room Almerion was in earlier. It didn't take long, he'd spent all his life mapping buildings in his head.

He unwrapped the rope form his arm and tied it around the jutting bricks of the roof, with the agility of a much younger man he fell and swung inwards, feet first through the counts open window. It seemed he was expecting visitors. Before Sebastians rope grew taught he pulled at the knot and it fell from around his hips and swung backwards, hanging limply outside the window. Sebastian himself did not land so gracefully, but rolled across the heath of the room, before straightening up and turning to see the count facing him unfazed.

"Good, you're here, the sooner I give you this the quicker you can leave me alone in my own blasted home!" He muttered quietly, not meeting Sebastians eyes. He held his hand out to the silencer, clutched between his fingers was a sealed envelope. "Take it, this is the information he wanted. Bring it to him and tell him it is all I know."

"Ah- that will be a problem." Sebastian said, his voice laced with velvet malice. "I'm afraid our plans have changed. He will be here in minutes to speak with you. You will tell the guards at the door he is an old friend you once did business with and he is just travelling through, they are to escort him and his two aides through to speak with you. They are to be polite. He is a very rich, aging merchant. You wish to be most hospitable to him."

"Would it matter if I wasn't?" The dunmer spat, jumping from his desk seat and walking towards the door.

"Ah, one last thing. Bandits have killed a guard, the city is under lockdown until futher notice, tell the guards, they will watch all known entrances to the city incase these bandits are to attempt anything. Nobody leaves, it is after all, for their own safety." Sebastian added with a smile, his eyes reflecting the coldness of his voice.

The count didn't say anything, he spared him one last look of up-most disgust before leaving the room to follow his instructions.

Sebastian sat on an over stuffed chair and waited for the arrival of the speaker.

OOC: Well written post. From now on let me write for the Count. I'll make a post for Parthia, short, and then you can control the movement of the group to the castle.

If anyone is waiting on posts from anyone, PM me.

IC:

Cheydinhal Castle

Andel ran his hands over his partially shaved head. The mohawk slid between between his trembling digits before taking a deep breath and regaining his composure. He still had guests to entertain and entering the room pale, or atleast as pale as a Dunmer could get, may turn off the cheery attitude. He straightened his back looking into the mirror in full regal attire of an Imperial. A fine blue material covered his form matching his skin tone rather well. His mind fell into the consideration of what position he was in reassuring himself. A Dunmer Count in Cyrodiil, unheard of. The Hlaalu sure had reached far and wide. Aside from perhaps Helseth, why he was probably the most influential Dunmer in Tamriel. Who else could claim such a thing as he, no...

"Lord Indarys..." A meek yet deep voice of a guard spoke.

"What!?!?!?" Andel snapped at the man spinning around on his heel. All the stress he had been trying to hide now erupted.

"Um...there is a dead guard...my lord. It seems an arrow..." And the guard was cut off.

"Yes yes I know already, you don't have to come scurrying to me over every little thing. It was a bandit, or something like that, put the city on lock down and keep quiet about it. I don't want my guests to be bothered by such things." As Andel spoke he turned back to the mirror admiring himself.

"Will that be all my lord...?" The guard was afraid the Dunmer might explode again. The nerve of these elves. Their skin was so dark and strange, their lands stranger, their liberal way of acting. It was disgusting to the Imperial. One moment of weakness on the Emperor's part and these acursed elves manage to place one of their own in command.

"Oh and i'll be having another guest over. Tell the guards to treat them well and inform me of their arrival. I need to speak with them in private. Now be about your business." Andel dismissed the guard who's only reply was a mumbled "sir."

A few moments after the guard left Andel left his room. The guards that may had been dozing off were all the more attentive, any whispering or talking ceased the moment Count Indarys was seen. Ulene Hlervu, the castle mage came toward Angel with a slightly worried look on her face. "Is everything alright lord? The guests i'm sure miss you." It was simply an act. Ulene was having a secret affair with both Andel and his son, Farwil. Neither knew of the other and she prefered it that way. She had ambitions to become countess with or the other. Eventually she knew one of them would need to be gotten rid of but until then she had her hands full trying to keep a secret from one or the other. It left her exhausted tending to both of them and lying, but eventually it would pay off. She was happy that tonight she could rely on both of them getting too drunk to bother her endlessly.

"Yes yes, everything is fine." Andel smiled eyeing the younger Dunmeress just briefly. He had to keep his appearence for the most part as someone still mourning the death of his wife. In no way could any of the guards, or worse, his guests see him notice her in any other way then the castle mage. "Go back ahead of me, i'll be there in a moment." He did not even wish for anyone to see them enter together into the room.

As she opened the door the music from inside could be heard. It was a rather slow paced rythmic style surprisingly traditional for the imperial setting Andel Indarys was in. But it was quite appropriate for the guests inside. Without another moment to spare he too entered the room. Inside were velvet couches placed about, food and drink was carried about by servants both handsome and beautiful. Scents of exotic sweet perfumes mixed with the food. The air was passionate with it. Inside the guests numbered seventeen in total. Three were Imperial, one was Breton, two were Redguards, eight were Dunmer from House Hlaalu and three were also Dunmer but from House Dres.

The Imperials and the Breton were more so dressed like Andel Indarys while the Dunmer wore comfortable robes as they generally did inside. They were all merchants, some were nobles, most of which Indarys invited. Many raised a glass of their drink as the count entered. They were arranged in a U with the opening facing toward the entrence. The Hlaalu merchants sat mostly toward the center of the arrangement flanking Andel on either side as he sat down. Further to Andel's right were the Redguards and Imperials while the Dres and the one Breton were on the left.

"So how goes the Ebony trade?" Andel questioned prefering to listen instead of talking too much knowing his present situation.

"The cursed invasion by Dagon had slowed some of the trade. However Redoran's current situation has left us with an opertunity to expand even further. Really they are such a wasteful House. The land that they do own they do not profit off of. They're stubborness will be their own undoing. There's also a chance once things stablize that we will expand to Solstheim." The Hlaalu merchant stopped and while looking toward the Dres and raising his glass. "To our esteemed colluges." The other Hlaalu and soon the others followed the act. The Dres replied the same, all but one.

"And how is it that our youngest member here should not favor this most beneficial alliance? I would say you of us all has the most to gain." Another Hlaalu merchant spoke up. He was for the most part calm but somewhat flustered at the young Dres noble sitting across from him. The Dres noble was the closest to Andel but had between the two, the count's son closest to Andel, next two other Hlaalu merchant nobles and the third right next to the Dres was a 'young' Dunmeress with snowy white hair.

"Perhaps it is late for him." She teased the Dres noble. He sat with his legs crossed much like the others. In his hands he cupped a small tea cup with a detailed black flower pattern on it, the symbol of the Deshaan plains nobility. He wore a rather simple but elegant black robe over his tall and lean form along with a deep violet sash holding against his body a curved kindjal. His appearence was youthful and attractive in a somewhat androgynous manner albiet unmistakenably male. He had an over all "wolfish" look about him, both strong and graceful, handsome and beautiful, reseliant and graceful. Most of his somewhat wavey dark hair was tied in a tail towad the top of the back of his neck reaching down between his shoulder blades. The hair that was not tied, flanked either side of his face reaching to his long graceful neck. It was in the Dres tradition to wear one's hair longer, something that seemed a bit strange especially in Cyrodiil. His eyes were fiece, as if weilded fury, dangerous but in control. He had a strong defined nose, not too narrow or to wide, to sharp or to flat instead giving him a handsome profile. His mouth was small but his lips were not thin, enough to tempt. And slowly they parted exhaling a deep soothful yet distant voice expressing acceptance in a way that would one make wonder.

"Perhaps." The Dres noble's eyes slowly moved toward the right meeting the eyes of the Hlaalu in her attempt to tease. His acceptance of her statement made her lips curl into a slight smirk hiding somewhat her thoughts yet her eyes were the traitors. While the others began discussing business of another tone she leaned toward her left on her hand locking her elbow to maintain herself.

"Mehra." She whispered her name reaching with her right hand toward his tea cup. "May I?" She tilted her head slightly hoping for a positive answer.

"As you wish." The reply as most of his words so far were softly distant and short. Mehra leaned forward a bit more, her right hand reaching under his hands and lifting them up along with the cup. As she did so, the left upper part of her robe slid down her stretched out arm half exposing her but only to him. The cooler air on her made a soft giggle dance in her throat briefly. She enjoyed the feel of his hands as she lifted up the cup to her lips. They were warm and soft, as a noble's hands should be. Mehra's eyes remained locked onto his as the cup met her lips, sipping just so. After a few seconds she lowered her hand along with his and the cup while she spoke.

"Delightful." She whispered as she remained in rather close proximity. Her head leaned back lightly as as she saw his hand move toward her chest. Slowly slowly...and to her surprise she felt as the robe was pulled up covering her. Mehra's eyes returned toward him. "Very tame of you. You will have to excuse my boldness, my drink is weakening my inhibition. Though I have not drank all that much so I suppose you are to blame."

"Forgive me." His eyes returned to the conversation amongst the others as Mehra slid to sit much closer to him.

"...I really don't know what to tell you. Unless the Empire defeats the rebellion on Summerset I expect a full rebellion in the nothern parts of Hammerfell as well. And then we can make a profit selling arms." An older grey haired Redguard spoke, his hair was cropped and his face was shaved.

"Then should we send some ebony and glass to you?" One of the Hlaalu spoke.

"Well...the problem is that ebony is too heavy to be used in the desert, not to mention how expensive it is. Glass while it is light, is rather fragile for prolonged battle. We were really just considering some adamantium instead." The Redguard turned to the other two Dres. Ever since they began absorbing parts of Indoril they had been linked to the Adamantium mines. It was long expected by some that the Hlaalu-Dres alliance may crumble under mercantile rivalry. It was only a matter of time until the Hlaalu would feel threatened.


Outside of the Arkay Chapel

Parthia held onto the vampire's arm. They were terrifying creatures, but elegant beings. She had a bit of a romantic notion of vampirism and often played with the idea of becoming one. But many vampires lost their minds with desire for blood while few really became the powerful patriarchs and matriarchs. In any case she felt she could trust Almerion. He seemed a bit like a father figure, or as he was playing his role, a grandfather figure. She knew her appearence would probably not be enough to unstill Count Indarys but Almerion would do so easily.

Newlands Lodge

Oglind opened the door to Celia's room to find it empty. Where had she gone? Damn it well that was a waste of time completely. He rushed toward the open window to see if she had jumped out. Before he got to it he noticed a set of sheets being tied together. So she is out somewhere but where? She would run to her father most likley. No this was not good at all. He could easily change his appearence back but it would be difficult to get aquainted to his target again trying to use a new form. It would also be odd and suspecious.

OOC: Ah thank you, and the same to you as well. It took me nearly an hour to write. Not because of the size, because my little sister spilt water on my keyboard and now I have to use one which is easily about 8 years old and about as responsive as a death skooma addict.

IC:

Almerion gestured to things as he walked, smiling wistfully. He wasn't talking about them, the buildings, the architecture or the vegetation about the city. He was telling Parthia about his most recent conquest in Summerset. He wanted it to look as if he was engaging her with stories of the past if any where watching him.

"? So then he pulled out an axe and swung for me, terribly fierce, even for an Orc." He chuckled at the thought of a flamboyant Orc dressed in gentle silken robes. He didn't know why he thought of it, he put it down to thinking of the opposite of what he was telling Parthia. "I managed to parry it and tackle him to the ground. As I approached him he swung again. This time it was a weak swing, I managed to catch the head of the axe between my hands like so." He said, holding his hands aloft, showing her how he was holding the now invisible axe.

"Then I pushed downwards upon it, cut his face right down the middle. Not a pretty killing, I didn't even get paid for it, it wasn't a contract. He was trying to mug me while Sebastian was absent from my side, he must have bought my act. You see, that is why you should always have an act." He finished with a sigh. "But you already do don't you?" He added with a wink, gesturing to her non-flattering clothing, nobody would expect a simple towns person to be able to down you with a well placed spell. They'd expect her to work in a tavern or tend to livestock, and fight with a pitchfork if she was attacked.

"Then there was a time when I was merely an Eliminator in the brotherhood, I was assigned a contract to extract information from a slaver by an old man who's daughter had been sold into the trade. He wasn't paying much, but the speaker back then thought it would be an opportunity for my to get creative, hone me if you will. And so I set out."

"It took a few days to track the man, a great hulking nord of a man. Good thing I was to, and a vampire to boot, that's a good combination. Any way, after tracking him I brought him, as instructed, to a place named Fort Farragut. There, over watched by a Silencer named Lachance, I tortured him. You see torturing is not for the weak, its violent. But for some one of your position, its art. A symphony of screens and a canvas made of flesh." his eyes twinkled as he remembered the past. The girl would probably hate these stories, he sensed something almost reserved from her.

"Do you want to know what I did?" He asked as they walked over a small wooden bridge. "I burnt the flesh off his skin, I waited a day for it to blister. Then I pealed the weak flesh off and forced him to walk over a pool of boiled salt water. You see, the water would cause pain, but mixed with the salt it also cleaned the wound, making the chances of infection smaller, you have to keep them alive, let them think they are at deaths door every day but keep them alive, but that wasn't even the fun part." he added without waiting for an answer.

"But the rest is for another day, we have killed enough time for Sebastian to do his part, now let us proceed to ours." He said quietly, unsmiling, he was turning his work persona on. For the next ten minutes, he was a bastard.

They made their way to the castle, as Almerion expected, the guards knew they where coming and escorted them to the Count, who was entertaining guests, all the better.

"Ah, Andel my friend, how good it is to see you, its been such a long time." He said holding his arms wide in mock welcome. "This is Parthia, she is a friend of my Grandsons and I have not seen her for many years, she consulted to show me around town while I'm here."


OOC: i didnt know if you wanted us to encounter the party or not, if not pm me and edits will be made where needed =)

Ticedo followd the pair from a safe distance, for him the trip was summed up by a slow pain spreading through his body, however he managed to reach the castle only to be stopped by the guards as he had not entered with the pair.
"Hello" he smiled warmly and tried to walk around the guard only to be cut off.
"You can't enter" he challenged and forcibly pushed Ticedo back, who toyed with the idea of drawing his blade but decided against it.
"I am with the others" he explained desperatly, the last thing he wanted to do was spend a night in a cell and decided descrition was the better plan.
"We'll see about that" the guard said and forcibly grabbed him by his shoulder and dragged him into the building.

Ticedo found himself in a long hall and was dragged along, he was left standing outside a room containing his partners, and the count.
"Stay here" the guard ordered pointing at the wooden chair by the entrance, "you can speak to them when they are done, if the recognize you I'll let you through"
Ticedo simpily remained quiet and positioned his cane in the door way so that anyone could see it.

OOC: I need Ra to come upstairs to the Newlands Lodge room were Celia was.


IC:

Internally Parthia flinched at the story she was being told. She didn't care to torture anybody. That must have been the difference between her and the others. They enjoyed what they did while she only did it because it was a job. What hypocracy, she was trying to learn how to heal and was paying for her schooling by harming others. It wouldn't last, eventually she would stop. At least she hoped she would stop. Could she stop?

As they entered into the castle she made note of the number of guards. She even counted the steps of the stairs that brought them to their destination. The guards seemed to eye her more then Almerion, perhaps that was her use. She did have her dagger and shortsword hidden as well as her bow wore on the outside along with the arrows. If needed she was also capable in fighting unarmed but didn't much like it if it could be avoided. As the door infront of her opened a burning chill flashed inside of her chest.

"Those eyes..." Parthia whispered to herself seeing the young Dres Dunmer flanked by the Hlaalu Dunmeress. Almerion spoke with the Count which she did not even notice had stood up waving them to come in.

"Welcome, what a beautiful friend your grandson has." Andel smiled nervously. "Won't you join us?" Perhaps if more people were around, Almerion would just drop whatever he wanted to talk about as to not blow his cover and it could be dropped all together. It was a foolish and desperate assumption but one he held on dearly to.

OOC: short post sorry.

"Andel my friend, how long has it been? Ten? Twenty years?" Almerion asked with a smirk, he had removed his hood to reveal a long sheet of silk white hair and a thin beard upon his handsome features. Just removing the hood and standing straight he looked years younger. The dunmer count seemed to recoil as he drew himself to his fullest height, the size of the man mixed with his imposing presence seemed to unnerve the count.

"May I offer you a drink?" a servant asked as he passed, Almerion looked at the count and back to the servant before answering.

"Ah- No, No thank you, another has already left to find me my proffered drink. Thank you again good sir."

Almerion liked the setting of the current scene in this play, he watched the guests as they roved around the room. Non seemed to out of place, save for one. A handsome, yet foreboding looking ash born, Dres by the style of his attire. Something about him seemed oddly akin to Almerion, yet detached and nothing alike. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, he would have to speak to him in due course.

"You're drink sir, warmed to room temperature as you requested, with a drop of Cyrodillic brandy and a sprinkle of aloe Vera leaves." a voice muttered, pushing a goblet into Almerions eyes.

"Ah, Vintage, I cant quite put my finger on it. It has a western taste to it, oddly supple yet strong and vibrant in both colour and bouquet." Almerion smiled at Sebastian, who was now dressed in an elegant blue silk tunic and pants, with matching blue silk shoes, all detailed with golden embroidery. He had evidently acquainted himself with the counts wardrobe. "Might I hazard a guest at Breton?"

"Yes my lord, quite astute as always." Sebastian answered with a twinkle of amusemant in his eyes. "I found it aging in the prison cells down below. I must say, these guards are hardly what I'd call up to scratch."

"Yes I'm aware, I barely had to try when I entered earlier this eve to speak with the count, It almost seemed like he expected some one to come, although I do not blame him if he did expect a visit."

"Oh another thing, it seems his fear of death led him to be rather enthusiastic in that task he was given. The letter with the information you asked for is here." Sebastian muttered, handing Almerion the sealed envelope. "And it seems a brother of ours is trying to gatecrash, but has been refused entry."

"Ah- Tell him to come on in, and tell the guard he's an imbecile." Almerion said absently, looking at the green wax seal on the letter. He waited a few seconds as Sebastian walked over and gestured the Imperial with the cane into the room, then shot a few words at the guard. "Parthia my dear, would you mind? This letter, contains details on all foreigners and strangers whom have entered the town, and all people who have been acting suspiciously, to the best of the guards knowledge that is. I dare say you would recognize a few, after all. You spend more time in this charming town than I."

OOC: And you decide on the contents of the letter, after all, an old mans eyes arent what they used to be =)

At the top of the letter in fancier writing were the names of several Dunmer, a few Redguards and Imperials as well as one Breton. As she looked around the room obviously these were the merchants. Below it had a detailed account of several people who had entered the city, but many more had left than entered. Most that had entered were from the east while most that had left went west. Her eyes flashed over the names coming across the name of Vincent's wife, Claudia along with several other Mages Guild members. She didn't really recognize anyone else. Her eyes flashed up from the paper briefly cutting a glance across the other's faces, mostly the Dunmer. When she reached the eyes of that same young Dunmer, it felt like the split second turned to a minute. There was something about him...or was it all of them? Was this a trap? Her heart began to pound and the paper became slightly damp were her fingers clamped down on the edge. Parthia's bottom lip slowly slid into her mouth between the tips of her teeth nervously. She was glad she could hold the paper up high enough to hide this nervous habit.

"Father!" The voice of a woman was heard barging through the room. The poor guards were unsure who to stop, who to let pass, the strange sight of Celia wrapped in just a blanket. One of the Imperial merchants stood up, a middle aged bearded man, his face in shock and his arms reaching out. "What happened!?" He looked outraged, embracing his daughter. "Someone, they came into my room and they..."

"What!?!? No daughter of Flavius Antonious will be dishonored and unaveanged." He shook his fist furiously setting his daughter to his side.

"No father, he used some sort of magic to steal my face! He looked just like me! I thought he would try to come here and hurt you." Celia clung the blanket around herself standing with her muddy feet by her father. She didn't care how she looked, she wanted to keep her father safe.

"W-well it seems an investigation is needed. I am sorry to say but it seems we have lost track of time. I advise that you all retire to your quarters." Andel announced. It would be better if he could just deal with Almerion and have it done with instead of this internal torture.

The merchants and nobles left the room one by one dispersing as they reached the hall way. All that remained now were the Dark Brotherhood and Andel Indarys who took a heavy gulp of liquor from his glass awaiting the formalities to be done away with.

Ticedo faced the count and lowered himself to a half bow sticking his arms out like a pair of wings his cane pointing at out at an awkard angle nearly claiming the eye of a passing merchant.
"Hello, sir" he said in a quiet hushed voice as he straightened his back, "I reccomend you talk to your guards about who is allowed in and out" he said with a slight chuckle. That chuckle probably saved him for it was all that covered the veiled threat underneath. He squinted slightly and with a half yawn grabbed the abbandoned chair. He glanced across to Parthia and the vampire and asked,
"Have you explained the reason for our visit, your does that peice of paper you're clutching answer my question?"

"There are two reasons for our visit my dear boy, both will be explained shortly." He said with a nod towards the door. The guard took a hint and left the room, closing the door behind him. Sebastian was already closing the curtains around the room and double checking the locks on the windows. "The letter contains information about all new faces to the town. That is the first reason, the second reason is because the brotherhood needs a new home." He finished, turning towards Andel at his last few words.

"Now Andel, I'm not familiar with the layout of castle Cheydinhal, but you should know if there are any secret passages or rooms within the belly of this magnificent building shouldn't you? I mean, every castle in Cyrodil has one, I dare say whomever built them did not trust their peers very much. We will use them as head quarters until the sanctuary can be repaired."

Sebastian was sat on a finely crafted wooden chair, with many intricate patterns flowing around the frame of its back. He was sipping a glass of wine and taking in every detail of Parthia and Ticedo, anolyzing them, paying attention to their expressions and tones of voice for any sign of weakness.

"I will also request that you're guests do not leave the castle. Although that Is not an order, but they mustn't leave the city at any rate."

"Yes, I agree but I also wonder Andel, how many of the people in this room where you familiar with? You could save them from hours of torture with just a few words." Sebastian added while Almerion took a sip of the blood in his goblet, almost reading the speakers mind word for word.

OOC: Ra?




"What? I'm not clutching anything. I'm just...it just shows the names, most of them I don't know, the rest are unimportant." Parthia really didn't know what the list could really do. That one Dunmer...something was strange about him, more so than the others. She didn't know if she was just being immature or there really was something peculiar.

"Y-yes we have an older get together room with its own quarters for guests. We use it now generally to store some furniture and it might be a bit dusty but the rooms are clean." Andel spoke as if he was selling a bit of his own castle where the pay may be his own life. "As with whom I am familiar, I know almost all of the people invited save for the Redguard, he goes by the name of Alanso, the Hlaalu named Mehra and the young Dres noble, I can't seem to recall much other than he somehow has relations with the Deshaan." Andel seemed to sink in to deeper thought.

OOC: Crapptastic post im rushing. I'll be on later.