Imperial Settlement of Helnim Wall - Morrowind Province

Flaminica Pallas Flaminia Sulca

Pallas was surprised when the man kissed her full on the hand, rather than just her ring. For a moment she felt butterflies in her stomach, but she was fairly positive this was from the shock of it all. She wondered if perhaps Kynareth saw fit to give her an unduly adventurous day.

The man, this Kurt, offered her a seat at a table before strolling off to get some drinks. He returned and made some comment about the bartender being unconscious. He wasn't going to pay, Pallas realized with astonishment.

"I should think that a devout follower of the gods would not spurn Zenithar so," Pallas chided. "This man's establishment was just torn to pieces and he will have a hard time paying for the repairs. I think that he shouldn't take a loss on these drinks as well."

This she said while the man had already raised his glass in a toast. This was a matter of principle and justice, however, and so she could not join him or she would be an accomplice.

TAG: Mathum

While enjoying the first effects of her drink ? brandy on an empty stomach was the quickest way to get a nice buzz ? Fara observed the room. Her gaze going back regularly to the priestess. My, she's completely lost around here. The girl hasn't a clue on how to handle herself in a seedy tavern.

When a few dunmers started hassling her, Fara stood up a walked toward the fray. Maybe not the smartest thing to do, but bosmers weren't exactly know for an excess of common sense. Beside, she tended to be a svcker for cuteness when drunk, and the young priestess had more than a fair share of it.

As the situation fizzled out, Fara slowed down but kept going. When she passed the group who had harassed her, she brushed past the wannabe despoiler. Discretely tripping him and seemingly getting dragged to the ground as he flailed around. But in reality holding him and making sure his head met the ground. Hard. Once done she stood up, cursing aloud about drunken morons with clumsy legs and wandering paws... The scene caused a burst of laughter from his buddies, only slightly damped by his unconsciousness. Good job Fara. Now they're sure their pal tried to grope me and fumbled to the ground. Serves that wannabe rapist well.

Having appeased her prejudice, Fara looked again, and saw a newcomer had taken care of the foulmouthed bully. Pity, I had a whole set of derogatory comments for him. Bah I'm sure I'll have other occasion to use them... But seen from here, sir carrothead there seems to be about as eager to get into her pants has the pig I've sent to kiss the ground. Only smarter in his attack. Feeding whiskey and smooth talk to a kid... He's got a soft spot for diapers or what ?

With a complete and slightly drunk confidence Fara moved to the table, sitting down and snatching the glass Pallas had just refused. Tossing a few coins roughly worth the price of the drink on the table. She toasted to both of them with a mischievous grin. "I hope you don't mind me preventing some waste ?" She sampled the strong drink with appreciation "The young lady don't seems to like liquor."

Aluna walked right into the middle of a bar fight. A tumbling mass of Dunmer and Orcs were beating each other senseless for no reason she could possibly guess at the moment, accept for the possibility of sheer stupidity. That was all the Dunmer were capable of producing, a mass export of raw stupidity, and now it was painfully obvious that this was the consequence of an overdose. And Pelena was right in the middle of it all. Aluna couldn't help but imagine that her faith in the Legion was ill-placed for a fraction of a second. Vilvan rushed forth to end the battle between Pelena and the Bar keep, wading through another fight between an imperial man, one that seemed familiar, and a heap of Dark Elves. He tried to calm the fight, but exactly the opposite was achieved as "Traitor!" was called out.

Before she knew it, Vilvan was having his face smashed into the ground repeatedly. Aluna couldn't help but laugh at his expense as Pelena drew her sword in apparent desperation. But she was knocked nearly off balance though as a short Bosmer came flying through the door and over a table, screaming and flailing through the air in a most comical sort of fashion. With a bucket in hand. To Aluna, this entrance of attempted grandeur was clearly over powered by the strangeness, extremely otherworldly, and basically pure asinine manner of execution. The Bosmer women slammed her bucket into a drunken patron that was attacking anyone else in sight.

Really, what kind of idiot would enter into a battle like that?

Something was very wrong with the sanity and common sense of everyone she was meeting in Helnim. Aluna pushed her way out of the door. She was expecting a very much more pleasing show to begin soon anyway. She passed a robed woman as she turned back towards the direction of the Alchemical shop, taking care step around her. She would probably get more of a startle as she made it into the tavern.

I was having such a good day when I got here...

* * *

The sky was dark with clouds, and the sun was hiding beneath the horizon. The mud turned beneath her feet and Aluna thought to herself whether or not the dampness of the air would hinder the lighting of a fire. Though magickal flames probably would persist through the humidity. But a wonderful sign that said 'It worked' touched Aluna's nostrils. Smoke, burning tinder, just what she wanted. Villagers nearby just seemed to sniff the air and then return to business, closing their doors as she walked down the paths towards the shops. A light was flickering in the distance and only a single voice could be heard, cursing the winds. Anarion must not have been very popular with the townspeople.

The heat tickled Aluna's skin as she stood there before the writhing mass of flames. The front of the building had collapsed, the door was no where to be seen, and a massive cloud of ash and fumes bellowed into the sky. She rubbed her thumb across her stolen door handle as if to caress it and watched. Behind the fire, a silhouette of a man could be seen.

"You!" Shrieked the shadow. "You cursed, horrid lizard!" Anarion stumbled out of the flames of his store. His clothes were burnt and he looked older than ever. Aluna felt the moisture in the air burn away, just as all her cares in the world evaporated from her body. She felt truly delighted and a toothy grin stretched across her face.

"I will kill you! I'll kill you, I'll kill you, I'll kill you!" Anarion flung himself at her, his arms struggling with heaps of bottles and flasks. He threw vials of liquids at her feet, but they only bounced and spilled across the dirt and mud. He looked pitiful, feeble and helpless, his beard was singed and Aluna could smell it over the smoke.

"Out of your whole store of poisons and diseases, you have not one cure for something as simple as fire. Your obsession with inflicting pain on others physically, " She kicked him across the face, knocking him on his back before the flames. " and verbally, " she stomped her bare foot onto his chest " has really come back to haunt you. I hope you don't mind me being so quick to judge, but that's just what you are. A stubborn little fire that's about to go out. I'd imagine that this is long overdue." Anarion squirmed beneath her in his hopeless attempt at escape. Like a wounded animal in the jaws of it's capturer, kicking it's legs as if to suddenly become free and run away.

Then, for a fleeting moment, a thought passed through Aluna's mind. Would Anarion's slave have done the same thing that she was doing? An emphatic 'yes!' called out in her mind, but the motives and emotions behind this yes seemed altogether different than Aluna's. She felt her foot easing up on Anarion's chest.

Anarion spat at Aluna as he laid in the mud "You [censored] Argonian, I should've killed you as soon as I saw you, it would've been worth the trouble." He coughed up blood as the smoke began to affect his old lungs.

Aluna pushed back down on him. "Trust me, " She began coolly " this is definitely worth it." She pulled him up to his feet by the collar of his robes. His face and arms were covered in ash which only seemed fitting. "You told me earlier today that you've experienced things I never have. I don't think I ever plan to find out what burning alive feels like." Anarion's face filled with terror as she dug out a small glass bottle from her bag with her empty hand. Without a word she smashed the bottle across Anarions face until it broke into pieces. Aluna plucked a damp shard of glass off of his chest and drew it slowly across Anarion's face. Paralysis set in within seconds. "I made this myself."

And he fell limply back into the flames.

* * *

Aluna fell to her knees in the middle of the path before the inn and she wept. She laughed as she cried with tears rolling down her face, the doorknob in her hand. Everyone was inside now, sleeping or drinking, and Aluna felt sick to her stomach. Rain was falling from the sky again, and it was dark out. The sun had set. She had to get the hell out of Helnim.

Imperial Settlement of Helnim Wall - Morrowind Province

Flaminica Pallas Flaminia Sulca

A Bosmer had sauntered in and taken a drink for herself. With some relief, Pallas noticed that she had put down a few coins to pay for it. More importantly, she had taken the obligation of drinking away from her. This was a good thing?she was not sure how wise it was to drink with a stranger, and she had no idea what he was serving her?it smelled sharp.

She looked the Bosmer in the eyes, communicating silent thanks.

Growing slightly uncomfortable with the situation, she briefly considered trying to leave the tavern but was concerned at attracting further unwanted attention. She decided that it was safer with these two for now, both of whom had at least extricated her from a troublesome situation. She might as well engage the newcomer in a bit of conversation, just to avoid an awkward silence.

"By all means? miss?"

TAG: manu, Mathum

Fara stretched and squirmed a bit to sit more comfortably in her seat. Her grin getting a bit wider as sher gaze met Pallas's silent thank. Looks like I did the right think. Though I don't think sir Carrothead will enjoy my rescue. Well, he's still got the left and right twins if he needs company...

"Fara. Just Fara, it's good enough to dispense with flourishes. Even more so as I'm a mere enlisted scout." Her tone clearly hinting that her low social standing didn't hinder her self-confidence. "And you're Pallas if I'm not mistaken. The chapel's new darling, fresh out of Cyrodill.". Fara drained the last of her glass in a second toast "May you enjoy your stay here."

She put down her empty glass on the table, eying it for a few seconds before commenting "I'd rather grab a bite or two before taking another. Stiff drinks on an empty stomach tends to get me in trouble. Things like waking up in the Legion, or in someone else's bed, pinned under two hundred pounds of happily snoring nord."

OOC: Mathum, I'll welcome you to this RP, but for future reference be sure to PM a CS in advance. Thanks. Oh, and Manu, that last bit was nasty. :yuck: That's about as far as anyone should go in terms of suggestive content.

Things began to cool down in the tavern as some of the patrons introduced themselves to each other. None yet had any idea to what extent their relationships would be tested in trials to come, but it mattered little. Most of the Dunmer settled down together in the far corner, muttering among themselves.

The Imperial man who had been heavily involved with the brawl approached Pelena as the commotion ended. Despite the spell, it seemed as if he still possessed an attitude gruff enough. "Tell me, lady; you're Legion. How do I sign up for your suicide trip? I want to get out of this hole in the ground, and I'm sure I'm not welcome here anyway, what with the locals being who they are. Think you could use an extra set of hands?"

Pelena scowled at him, but otherwise tried to ignore his attitude. "Our trip will be a great boon for the Empire, someday. Anyone willing to support us should check out the local Census and Excise Office, they're gearing everyone up and dealing with any legal matters involved." She lowered her voice before continuing. "Don't worry about the local riff-raff. If you really want to insist on staying, they won't be able to give much trouble in an Imperial settlement. Leastways not yet."

Pelena had decided that having a few AWOL troops actually was important. They would be the only ones left servicing Helnim Wall. Many other cities were relying solely on volunteer sheriffs rather than Legion guards, and the security of those towns certainly was no longer praise-worthy. She was thinking about the future though, as she hinted at in her parting comment. Someday, they would be driven from Morrowind. It would be much bloodier than the ordeal in Black Marsh, and it would almost certainly mean war. Still, she would not allow herself to believe that this was imminent.

Her last comment also serviced as to remind the man that it was entirely optional. She wouldn't be thrilled to have anyone that seemed likely to be insubordinate as part of their team. Perhaps he would take the hint and forget about it. On the other hand, perhaps he wouldn't have caught her meaning, or maybe he would interpret it as a challenge. Oh boy. Good thing she had Vilvan to help her deal with any trouble if conflict arose. Wait a moment... Vilvan!

Pelena returned to Vilvan, who was luckily not as hurt as she suspected.

Blood was dribbling in rivulets down the side of his mouth, but consciousness remained. He groaned as Pelena approached. "Could've bested him if he didn't try such a dishonorable and sneaky ploy. Don't mind me. Imperial helmets are still strong enough, no?" He smiled, wincing at the effort.

"Oh, wipe that grin off your face. This is my fault. If I hadn't been so demeaning to the barkeep..."

"He deserved it, I'd say."

"You didn't even hear our exchange! Vilvan, if there was anyone but a single rank above myself here in Helnim, I'd be removed from Legion service for this incident."

Vilvan sat up, wincing again. "Never stopped me from half the things I've done that should've had me sent packing a looong time ago."

"Oh, please."

Vilvan chuckled, reaching for his sword and dragging it along the floor. It eventually found its way back into its sheath. "Looks like you got someone of real Imperial values over there." He used his head to indicate the young priestess that had stopped the brawl.

"Ah, I hadn't seen her yet. What in Oblivion is she doing in this joint?"

"I have no idea, but Fara doesn't seem to mind. I think she's paying for drinks. You ought to get to know her. I'm sure you'd get along fine with anyone that'd pay for the quantity of brandy you go for."

Pelena playfully nudged him. "You ought to head home, Vilvan. I'm giving you the rest of the day off to recover."

"Suits me just fine."

Unfortunately for the pair, and for Vilvan especially, the door burst open with a frantic looking peasant with a blackened face. "Fire! Murder! Fire!" he yelled. Pelena was instantly upright, and Vilvan struggled to rise next to her. "Go on!" Pelena ordered. The peasant continued with wide eyes. "We tried to put it out, but it's in the alchemy shop. The flames are higher than I've ever seen! Something in there must be making them doubly strong! We can't get it out!"

Pelena glanced at Vilvan and he returned the look. He had a curious look in his eyes. "Didn't you take that Argonian to Anarion's place before coming back?" There was a brief pause. "No, I took her on a tour of the mines." Pelena turned back, but Vilvan was biting his lip behind her back.

"Well, the Legion will assist. C'mon, everyone of able hands! This is an emergency! Let's go!" Pelena jogged out of the tavern with some of the patrons who were not so drunk following. High flames blazed, smoke rising into the afternoon clouds. "This should of been reported far earlier. How was this ignored so long?"

A few peasants were already in a line, but they had abandoned trying to douse the main fire. They carried containers of all sorts, metal pails and wooden buckets, passing them along the line and doing their best to prevent the blaze from spreading. It was contained to the alchemy shop, but they wouldn't be able to keep it up forever. An old crone was shouting at them nearby, yelling that they weren't going to put it out like that.

Pelena rolled her eyes. What did they expect them to do differently? "Someone alert the local guild halls! The mages are clever about dealing with things of a magical nature, and the fighters can lend their hands in controlling the blaze conventionally. Just hurry!"

Vilvan watched with wide eyes, behind the rest of the group. Should he have told the truth? Was this Aluna's doing? It seemed impossible to imagine the Argonian doing something this dastardly. This was obviously going to be a great crisis if nothing was done. He silently joined the file, grabbing a bucket that smelled of human waste and filling it up from a nearby well, ready to do his part...

Imperial Settlement of Helnim Wall - Morrowind Province

Kurt

"I should think that a devout follower of the gods would not spurn Zenithar so," Pallas chided. "This man's establishment was just torn to pieces and he will have a hard time paying for the repairs. I think that he shouldn't take a loss on these drinks as well."

Kurt shrugged, and downed the glass in one throw, "Suit yourself miss, but at least take a seat. I won't try to force any more of my, ill begotten gains, upon you." He picked up the bottle of spirits and poured himself another tumblerful. The warm drink was already taking the edge off the refusal.

A Bosmer appeared at the table and sat down, tossing a few coins. "I hope you don't mind me preventing some waste ? The young lady don't seems to like liquor." Kurt eyed this new addition warily, a tinge of irritation creeping into his heart "Please, help yourself." He scooped up the gold, "Thanks for the business."

The Priestess, "By all means? miss?"

"Fara. Just Fara, it's good enough to dispense with flourishes. Even more so as I'm a mere enlisted scout, and you're Pallas if I'm not mistaken. The chapel's new darling, fresh out of Cyrodil.". The tactless Bosmer drained the last of her glass in a second toast "May you enjoy your stay here."

The wood elf placed her empty glass on the table, "I'd rather grab a bite or two before taking another. Stiff drinks on an empty stomach tends to get me in trouble. Things like waking up in the Legion, or in someone else's bed, pinned under two hundred pounds of happily snoring Nord."

Kurt forced a smile at this, "You know, the restaurant across the street has some great homegrown Cyrodillic food, if you've had enough of this dirty Dunmer fare." But before Fara could reply a peasant crashed through the tavern door, "Fire! Murder! Fire!"

The bar exploded into motion, Legion officers shouting out orders, bar patrons rushing out the door to watch, Kurt leaned back in his chair, "You hear that Elf? Best go help." He looks over at Pallas, indicating the soon-to-be-vacated chair. "You're welcome to stay, I'm sure the Legion has this fire covered."

OOC: Ok

As the man scooped her money and with his earlier mention of 'ill begotten gains', Fara felt a tinge of anger. With her few drinks she felt toward Pallas like she would toward a kid sister. Which she wouldn't leave alone with a guy unprincipled and brazen enough to add her money to what he had stolen from the counter. She decided to ignore the man's suggestion of leaving. No way I leave her alone with that guy, he's slick enough to press for oil.

Her reflexion were cut short when peasant barged in, screaming of fire and Pelena ordered all able hands to come for help. Forget about making your move, you slick carrot. Fara stood up, facing Pallas "I don't know if you can magic up something for a big fire, but you should come too - odds are peoples will get injured and need help."

She looked straight at Kurt, "If your hands are fit enough to lift a bottle and a purse, they'll be fit enough to lift a bucket". Accenting 'lift' as in shoplifter to make her point clear "So you'd better make sure there's no mismatch in your bar tab and go for help. I'd hate to have you a prime suspect if something went amiss in here.". Her tone clearly hinting she wouldn't. With these last words she moved to the bar to pick the bucked she had used earlier and rushed out to help with the fire.

The woman scowled at him, but Lucius just kept up his odd smile. "Our trip will be a great boon for the Empire, someday. Anyone willing to support us should check out the local Census and Excise Office, they're gearing everyone up and dealing with any legal matters involved." She lowered her voice before continuing. "Don't worry about the local riff-raff. If you really want to insist on staying, they won't be able to give much trouble in an Imperial settlement. Leastways not yet."

She then went back to tending her Dunmer friend, and Lucius went back to the bar, thinking. He could stay here of course, but he didn't want to, and the Dunmer would be out for his blood first chance they got, he was sure. No, best to leave. It was simply a matter of convenience that he would be leaving with the Legion. He grabbed a bottle of rum from the bar, and took a swig of it. Watered down or not, he needed something to drink, and he wasn't about to drink the [censored] the Dunmer called alcohol.

He walked out of the inn, passing a harried looking man on his way in, and immediately noticed the flames and smoke that wasn't too far away from where he was standing. A few moments later, a stream of people rushed out of the inn, the Legionnaires included, to help with putting out the fire. Lucius shrugged and began walking in the opposite direction, towards the Census and Excise Office. It wasn't any of his business what happened to this stupid town. He wouldn't care if the entire place and everyone in it burned to the ground. Would probably serve them all right anyway. The only thing he wanted to do was get his signing up over with.

He began whistling a soft tune as he walked, a nursery song his mother had sang to him as a child, even as the flames grew higher and the would-be saviors arrived to help put them out. He just kept whistling, smiling all the while, even as he made to the office and walked through the doors.

OOC: Sorry manu, I didn't see your post before I typed this one up. But it doesn't really contradict yours--I did send my character out to help.

Imperial Settlement of Helnim Wall - Morrowind Province

Flaminica Pallas Flaminia Sulca

Cheeks blushing furiously, Pallas wrinkled her dainty noise at the Bosmer's comment. What a thing to say! She was absolved of the need for a respone when somebody burst through the door, shouting about a fire or somesuch.

That Kurt fellow made some comment about the legion handling things, but Pallas emphatically shook her head. "It is my duty and obligation to help others in need. If the fire is well in hand, then I can tend to the injured. I must leave!"

Pallas did not wait for a response; lives were in danger. She ran as quickly as she could out of the tavern, dodging tables and patrons in an attempt to get out the door. Her short robe was fluttering around her thighs and bits of her hair were coming unbound to get into eyes, but she had no time to deal with either of them.

When she saw the fire?or more properly, smelt the damp soot in the air, she wished desperately that it would begin to rain some more. The most powerful mages could control the weather, it was said, but she was no magician and her mastery of the College of Alteration was not enough to have any real impact on the fire, much less the skies.

She had to do what she could, however. She slowed her breathing and brought those stimulating Dibelline energies to work as she manipulated the aetherial essences in the air to create a cooling breeze, but her stream of frost was dashed from existence by the heat of the flames. She tried telekinetically summoning water from the well, but the effort required to bring it above ground level was enough to leave her panting with exhaustion.

Her skills were not suited for elemental magecraft, and applying her energies in that fashion would leave her drained and useless. Ideally, skills associated with the sphere of Dibella would leave her invigorated and possessed of the serenity associated with the goddess's blessings?but fires could not be persuaded, cajoled, or reasoned with.

This left her at a loss, and it pained her to be unable to help. She watched all those brave soldiers and citizens carrying water from the well, wishing she had their strength. Then it occurred to her?she could! Fortifying her supple muscles with a strength beyond her years was a basic spell, one that she could cast in her sleep. Pleased, she filled herself with the power of Dibella and carried a bucket of water to the flames.

After a few trips, though, Pallas was sweaty and exhausted. She could refresh herself, but her efforts were entirely in vain. Not quite despondent, she realized that if her own assistance was useless, she could easily fortify the strength of many others?and then the effort would cascade, producing a far greater benefit than her own labor could.

"Citizens! I will gird you with a blessing from the Nine, granting you the fortitude to battle this flame! It will only work for a minute at a time, so please see me between every few trips to the well!"

i believe im too late..im out of the rp...aorry for the inconvienince

Once there, Fara could see the fire was now a raging blaze, engulfing all of the alchemist's dilapidated home. She had alway found it odd that someone whose trade should bring a comfortable affluence allowed his home to fall into such disrepair. Even if the old curmudgeon had the manners of a wounded kagouti, he was still the only alchemist in town, and as such shouldn't lack customers. Which would make miserliness the cause. When the wind brought her a whiff of smoke, Fara understood why the peasant had screamed of murder as well as fire. Even with the stinky stuff burning, I can't miss that smell. Well, not much use for his gold now. He should have spent enough to keep his home in good condition...

Without much to offer beyond her arms, Fara joined the chain which was bringing buckets to the fire. Or more accurately to the neighboring houses, as the alchemist's was a lost cause. I guess it's what he got for being such a jerk, his neighbors were slow to act... Well let's see how it turns.

Caught in the swapping of buckets, Fara barely noticed the priestess's magic. Wow, tat confirms, she's good at that sort of things. If she don't get herself killed, she's going to be something to behold.... She gave her a warm smile and a thumb up as an encoragment to keep the good work going.

As Maldrid finished his documents, the smell of smoke flooded the room. The Breton was asleep, but his apprentice started sniffing curiously. "Do you smell that? Is that a fire? We haven't had a fire in Helnim Wall for years." Without waking his master, the young man opened the door and did a quick search of the horizon, quickly spotting the huge plumes of smoke drifting up into the sky. He returned to his post with an anxious look. "Sir, um..." the apprentice glanced at the forms and continued, "...Maldrid, is it? There's a fire that would rival those of the Deadlands out there. Approving these will have to wait."

The Census Office was close to the docks, far from the town square, so there was no need for alarm. Yet, something smelt off-beat about this fire. The people of Helnim may not have been accustomed to the smell of large fires, as the people of Vvardenfell are, but something still seemed wrong. There was a barely perceptible hint of chemicals that accompanied the fire; only those races more attune to their sense of smell or experienced alchemists would be able to identify the odors. The most experienced alchemist in town was charred to a crisp, so almost no one knew the true nature of these flames. Some had their suspicions that there might be something more giving the fire its unnatural strength.

***

The line continued their work, and none had exhausted yet thanks to the effort of the priestess granting them the strength to endure. Buckets and buckets of water quelled the flames attempting to expand to nearby buildings, but it was soon too hot to protect the closest of them. The stalls of the vendors closest to Anarion's former shop were soon aflame, tarps blazing. Pelena observed that the new fires were of a reasonable size and less resistant to the effects of their effort to douse them.

"Will someone please enlist the local guiid halls! We can't keep this up forever!"

"It doesn't matter! Water won't put out these fires for hours!" cried out the nearby hag.

Pelena directed her attention that way, looking at the casually dressed Breton.

"What do you know of the matter, miss?"

The old woman gave a toothy grin. "The fire has a heart within the shop that will beat on for a long time to come."

"Speak sharp! This is no time for riddles."

"Someone will have to kill the beast. Rip its heart from its briast. That's all the aid this wretched town deserves."

Pelena grabbed at the woman and lifted her off her feet. The crone hissed and spoke a tongue unknown to anyone present.

"I said speak sharp! The safety of Helnim Wall might depend on your cooperation!"

The hag fell limp, and Pelena let the body drop to the streets. What nonsense! I'm wasting time! This is an emergency.

"The guild halls? Anybody?"

Pelena frantically glanced between the volunteers, realizing she'd have to stop overseeing the crisis to fetch them herself if necessary. Someone would pay if it came to that...

OOC: Sorry, I would've written more but I had limited time to write this.

"Do you smell that? Is that a fire? We haven't had a fire in Helnim Wall for years."

Maldrid looked up towards the apprentice who had now just gone towards the door.

"Sir, um... Maldrid, is it? There's a fire that would rival those of the Deadlands out there. Approving these will have to wait."

"A fire!" Maldrid got up in surprise and felt a slight sense of urgency. He said to the apprentice in an urgent yet calm tone. "If you'll excuse me I'm going out to see what I can do to help prevent the blaze from spreading." As he went out the door he turned back towards the Census office. "Will you watch my things for me? Don't worry, I'll be back to retrieve them!" After which, he promptly turned around and ran in the direction of the fire.

To his great astonishment the fire was bigger than he'd imagined would happen in a town like this. The smoke from the inferno reached up hundreds of feet and he saw that it was beginning to spread to the neighboring vendors. People were running around in a panic to either contain or put out the fire. There were screams to be heard and no lack of curses to be heard as well. Many people had formed bucket brigades to bring water from the well. All that could not help watched helplessly as the blaze hungrily burnt the building down and start to consume the others nearby. Amidst the confusion and chaos, Maldrid tried to discern who was leading the operation.

"I said speak sharp! The safety of Helnim Wall might depend on your cooperation!"

Maldrid looked in the direction of the voice and saw a woman in legion armor who had lifted an elderly woman off the ground with her hands and was trying to gain info off of her.

I guess the Legion is more forceful here than other places, but nontheless she is probably the one in charge, Maldrid thought. After that he saw the old woman go limp and the legionary dropped the old woman. This angered Maldrid, but he decided to suppress it. She was the one in authority after all. Maldrid then ran in her direction.

"Is there anything I can do to help!" Maldrid said to Pelena.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Pelena snapped in anger as she was addressed. "Does it really look like we've got anything under control? Of course we need help! Go fetch the local guild halls. I don't like to repeat my orders, and this is the third time I've asked. Hrmph. Stendarr's Hammer, it's a wonder they can't smell this."

Pelena glowered angrily. It was unusual to see her so cross. Normally, she was level-headed in even the most desperate of situations, but this time the threat was dealing with a crisis in the city she kept watch over. This was her garrison that was supposed to be keeping order. How could this happen under her watch? She noticed the man who had approached glancing at the woman she had dropped.

"Don't worry about her. The Legion is not rough to those who don't earn their punishments. Besides, she fell limp of her own accord. If she has the heart to stand so close to this blaze than she is strong enough to deal with some Legion orders. We are impeccably just, and don't you ever forget that."

Pelena was indoctrinated enough by the teachings of the Empire that she would never find a way to refute her last statement, no matter how much corruption took root in the Legion. Shady dealings had become increasingly common among the troops, which did nothing for their standing with the commoners of Tamriel. In Pelagiad, for instance, the Legion shut themselves inside their fort even as packs of blighted animals slaughtered the local farmers and civilians. That sort of thing should've been unheard of; the blight was uncommon in the south even before Dagoth Ur was banished and so with him the source of that horrible collection of disease. Pelena had heard the story of Pelagiad and the blight, but refused to believe it. Now however, she was thinking about the Heart of Lorkhan.

She had known the blight almost her entire life, despite having been raised on the mainland. There was constantly news of its spread, dreaded tales of the way it twisted animals and men alike. The ghostgate merely contained it. Fighting it back only slowed an inexorable advance. Dagoth Ur's sudden defeat was the only way it was stopped. Killing it at the heart, quite literally. Sure, the blight still existed, but only in the form of smoldering remains, a nightmare that scarred the land and still occasionally plagued small communities, but it was no longer a crisis.

It was this way in which she began to understand the anology the crone had used. Still, its implications were ridiculous. She refused to believe it.

That hag was obviously mad. We'll just wait for guild help to arrive. We'll figure things out as soon as they send someone our way...

Lucius stepped aside to allow a young man past as he rushed off towards the fire to help. Hah, how noble. He should have just stayed here, then he wouldn't have to do anything. Always take the path of least resistance, that's what I say.

He entered the Census Office and took a short glance at the young Breton and the sleeping man that served for a clerk. What a bunch of morons. Can't the Legion even get quality help these days, I mean honestly, this is pathetic. Is this what I lost my company of men to? A bunch of hotheaded warriors, overeager brats, and fat overseers? Unbelievable. Of course, he knew that thought was probably very inaccurate, but it made him feel better. And whether it was the truth or not didn't really matter.

"So, I heard this is the place to go for the idiots that want to go off to their deaths into the marshes. You can sign me up. Got nothing better to do with my time."

Lucius flashed a contemptuous smile to the young Breton apprentice before taking a seat in a nearby wooden chair. He took the chair next to him and put it in front of him, then propped his feet up, putting his hands behind his head and resting there like that.

"So what's the big fuss over the fire anyway? If it burns this town to the ground, then good riddance I say. Lets everyone move to a place that actually has a standard of living, don't you think?" Lucius said, gesturing with one hand as he talked. He had a smile on his face the whole time, and his tone was one of ease, like he was discussing the weather.

His thoughts drifted back to the Legionnaire woman. He wondered how long it would take them to put out the fire, and if it would delay their trip any. He certainly wouldn't want that to happen, He wanted to get out of the town and across the Morrowind border as quickly as possible. He certainly wasn't out to become friends with anyone here, or help the townsfolk in any way. Why should he after all. The only people he had spoken to since entering the place had tried to cheat him out of his money, and then beat him senseless. Relatively tame compared to his reception in most towns, but that was besides the point.

Despite her and the locals effort the fire had started spreading, reaching the nearby market stalls. The tarps shielding them from the sun and rain was a serious liability in such a situation. And none of these morons thought to take them down ? They're lucky this town hasn't burned to the ground yet...

She was about to leave the bucket chain to do something about that when she heard Pelena's comment about fetching help from the Mages. I can't believe it. The morons would rather let their town burn than ask for help to the guild. She left her place in the bucket chain, making sure those neraby moved a bit closer to replace her. Feeling the full effect of Pallas's magic now that her attention wasn't focused on smoothly moving the barrels.

She trotted to Pelena"I don't know what the old fool has stockpiled in his shop, but we're merely pissing at a bonfire. And the locals seems to feel it would demean hem to ask for the mage's help. I'll go and fetch them. More mens from the fort too, to remove those damn market stands and maybe tear down a house or three if the fire runs really wild."

Fara darted away to the guild hall, as fast as she could without exhausting herself With the magic running in her and without armor and pack to burden her, she was almost running. Grumbling under her breath at the locals's reluctance to take order or get help from anything even remotely linked to the Empire. I can picture the morons, with no more to their name than the half-burned clothes on them patting each other on the back on how they didn't need the stinking empire. No siree we didn't beg for their help. We've let our whole town burn and we're about to starve without granaries, but we're doing it on our own. We're idiot enough to kill ourselves without the damn Empire's help. Our ancestors will be proud. Cretins. Pride is fine and dandy, but it's not much of a roof...

Soon she reached the guild hall and started banging the knocker as fast and hard as she could. IT nonetheless took almost a full minute for someone to open the small viewing port, asking in an annoyed voice what all that fuss was about.

"There's a large fire at the marketplace. The alchemist's shop. We need help to put it out.

And why would it concern us, we're mages, not errand boys to be conscripted like the local riffraff." The voice almost dripping with arrogance and contempt

"It's a direct request from Champion Pelena. We need help

Got and fetch some more of the sword-dragging blockheads sitting on their hands in your fort if you need help. We're Guild, we don't answer to the Legion. Not for something as trivial as a fire."

Fara breathed hard, struggling to keep her calm. This arrogant scum is lucky to have a strong between him and me... She moved closer to the port, straining to keep her voice from turning into a hissing snarl.

"Listen for a second, you overstuffed dolt ! It's an alchemist's shop, filled with Yffre knows what, but it's far worse than a normal fire. We're about to loose the whole city block, maybe more. And you're not that far from it." She kept speaking, his tone turning venomous "And as you so clearly stated, you're Guild, not Legion. If the fire comes there, that will your problem, not the Legion's. If we lose some of our own fighting the fire without you, expect a lot of pissed sword-dragging blockheads coming here for answers."

The silence that answered her was quite eloquent, the unknown jerk behind the door suddenly finding himself short of answers.

"I'm on my way to the fort. You'd better get your fellow guilders to move their silk-robed hindquarters when I'm back."

Hoping her threats would get more result than the almost certain official demand for a sanction, Fara headed for the fort. And even if they get it, what can they do ? Move me to point duty ? I'm already there. Demotion ? Good try but I'm already at the bottom. Jail ? A bed and three meals a day rather than crawling in the Marsh's muck. I'm shaking with fear...

Once to the fort, Fara started raising all kind of hell, using Pelena's name and not-so-veiled threats of dire sanctions to gather everyone but a minimum watch in a firefighting party. Discretely adding the threat of being blacklisted from her moonshine sales for those less receptive to duty. Fara also made sure that they carried enough picks, mattocks and spades along with the buckets to tear down whatever they needed.

Now leading a party of about forty men, Fara headed back to the marketplace as fast as they could. She nonetheless wasted a minute or two to pass in front of the Mage's Guild as a reminder of what might happen if they didn't move. She ordered the strongest soldier to bang a mattock on their door a few times to makes sure they would take the hint.

Soon she and her party arrived to the marketplace, slightly short of breath, but ready to do whatever would be needed.

Fara headed straight for Pelena to report "I'm back, with forty soldiers and plenty of tools. I've informed the Mages" She looked a bit embarrassed "They didn't seem to give a fart about the fire and I've done some arm-twisting. If they don't show up, nothing short of breaking their door and dragging them here by the scruff of the neck will do."

Kurt looked around the deserted bar. He sighed and lifted himself out of his seat, pocketing the bag of coins and picking up the bottle of alcohol. The panicky voices of the townspeople drifted in from outside. The thief moved the bottle to his lips and tipped his head back, drinking it dry. He strode through the wreckage from the bar fight to the bar and nimbly leaped over. He ran his hand over the various drinks, selected one, and turned it over in his hand, inspecting the label. The fat bartender let out a groan from where he was lying on the ground. Kurt looked disdainfully down at him. He silenced him with a swift kick to the head. Satisfied with his selection he walked out of the bar into the street, where people were rushing towards the fire.

Kurt moved slowly down the street, took a look at the fire, and entered the Census Office. A tall, well-muscled Imperial sat talking with a young Breton. "So what's the big fuss over the fire anyway? If it burns this town to the ground, then good riddance I say. Lets everyone move to a place that actually has a standard of living, don't you think?"

Kurt examined the speaker, "I think the people who have to live here might feel differently. Standard of living is what you make it, if your standards are low enough, anywhere's home. This place as well as any. I think that's worth protecting from a fire." He pulled up a chair and sat down with the two.

"What's this sheet you're filling out?"

Before Maldrid could go off to do as Pelena said he heard,

"I don't know what the old fool has stockpiled in his shop, but we're merely pissing at a bonfire. And the locals seems to feel it would demean hem to ask for the mage's help. I'll go and fetch them. More men from the fort too, to remove those damn market stands and maybe tear down a house or three if the fire runs really wild."

He looked over to see a not so happy female bosmer talking to Pelena. Before Maldrid had the chance to say anything to her about finding the Mage's Guild she ran off. "I'll go help her get some help," Maldrid said to Pelena then ran off after the bosmer. Maldrid was having not too much trouble following her. After a few minutes of running she stopped at the Mage's Guild door. Maldrid waited off in the distance because he didn't want to do anything that might cross this one. She didn't seem to be in the best of moods. He'd let her have it her way unless it was too reckless and jeopardized the whole thing. After seeing the bosmer deal with a rather unhappy mage she ran off again towards the fort.

Maldrid did as he had done earlier, observe from a distance. The bosmer was raising hell inside the fort. It was rather comical to Maldrid to watch the whole encounter. After that the bosmer had managed to round up some men for putting the fire out. Maldrid was indeed surprised when he saw that she managed to grab so many men. Maldrid then followed them towards the fire and to Pelena.

Maldrid went over to Pelena and said, "Apparently I wasn't needed. This bosmer here took care of the whole thing."

"So, I heard this is the place to go for the idiots that want to go off to their deaths into the marshes. You can sign me up. Got nothing better to do with my time. So what's the big fuss over the fire anyway? If it burns this town to the ground, then good riddance I say. Lets everyone move to a place that actually has a standard of living, don't you think?"

"I think the people who have to live here might feel differently. Standard of living is what you make it, if your standards are low enough, anywhere's home. This place as well as any. I think that's worth protecting from a fire. What's this sheet you're filling out?"

The apprentice glanced between the two men who had walked in. Neither of them looked particularly trustworthy, and he wasn't in the mood to work. In all honesty, he should've still been busy with his earlier papers despite the fire. With an exasperated expression and voice to match, he answered the last question first.

"These are the official Legion papers detailing an excursion into Argonia. Somehow, they think a venture down there is worthwhile to the Empire. In response to our first newcomer: No, let's not let an Imperial settlement burn to the ground. They're scant enough without such disasters. Start a riot in a Dunmeri town if you want some worthwhile destruction."

Thank Talos Pap is still sleeping. How he would scold me if he realized I'd given an honest account of current events.

He sighed, realizing that it was still his job to attain some potential recruits. "Might be hell down there, but I'm sure there are some resources to be obtained. I doubt the favor of the marsh-dwellers is one of those resources, but we'll see what the EEC can come up with now. They're a company of fine gentlemen, after all."

He smirked contemptuously, feeling that surely these Imperials would leave in disgust and save him the trouble of laboring over such vile and useless papers.

***

Thank Mara!

Pelena saluted Private Fara as she returned.

"I'm back, with forty soldiers and plenty of tools. I've informed the Mages. They didn't seem to give a fart about the fire and I've done some arm-twisting. If they don't show up, nothing short of breaking their door and dragging them here by the scruff of the neck will do."

"Excellent! Private, you have express permission to oversee these honorable guild members."

Some of the Fighters Guild members groaned in disgust.

"The lot of you can shut up! Fara, I see you had the foresight to gather tools as well. Let's put 'em to use and tear down some of the shops that are at risk. We need to create a break while we still have some leverage. Keep it up, everyone! Akatosh bless you!"

She nodded towards the priestess, not knowing if she invoked the correct Aedra but content with the knowledge that a prayer for time would be suitable in their current situation.

"Apparently I wasn't needed. This Bosmer here took care of the whole thing."

That fool who asked if they needed help was back.

"You there, lad..."

She beckoned Maldrid closer.

"Not quite. Make sure the Guild of Mages is really on the way. They might be vital in keeping this town safe. Incline them to help, if necessary," she finished by dropping a small sack of gold that had been tied to her belt.

Damn mages. More like thieves. They're probably expressly waiting for an errand boy of this nature right now.

Pelena did a quick check to make sure everyone was doing their duty. At a second glance, she noticed the old woman was no longer anywhere to be seen. Ignoring this matter, she continued encouraging the line of workers, but only received sour looks. Deciding that the town's morale would need more than words at this point, Pelena joined the line and worked as fast as she could to keep the water flowing. I'm absolutely covered in sweat. That guy better hurry back or I'll make him pay me back.

"I think the people who have to live here might feel differently. Standard of living is what you make it, if your standards are low enough, anywhere's home. This place as well as any. I think that's worth protecting from a fire."

Lucius looked at the newcomer for a moment. "Hmm. Fair enough."

"What's this sheet you're filling out?"

Before Lucius could answer, the young apprentice did it for him.

"These are the official Legion papers detailing an excursion into Argonia. Somehow, they think a venture down there is worthwhile to the Empire. In response to our first newcomer: No, let's not let an Imperial settlement burn to the ground. They're scant enough without such disasters. Start a riot in a Dunmeri town if you want some worthwhile destruction."

Lucius just smirked, looking down at the papers as the young man continued.

"Might be hell down there, but I'm sure there are some resources to be obtained. I doubt the favor of the marsh-dwellers is one of those resources, but we'll see what the EEC can come up with now. They're a company of fine gentlemen, after all."

"Oh yes, they're a fine company of gentlemen. Just a swell group of guys. Nothing at all bad about them, now is there," Lucius said, looking up to watch the apprentice.

"But in all honestly, who cares whether the stupid lizards like us or not. We're the Empire, since when have we been encouraging public relations, hmm?"

Lucius looked across to the other man that had entered earlier. "What about you? You gonna sign up 'for the glory of the everlasting Empire' too? What a bunch of [censored]. No one's gonna be seeing the shining glory of the Empire down there in the muck of those damned swamps, let me guarantee you that."

He looked down to the papers again and began to slowly fill them out, using a very proper and precise method of writing that didn't suit his appearance or talk at all. However much a barbarian he might seem, deep down, he was still the same cultured, proper Imperial he had been raised as.



Lucius did a quick scan of the rest of the papers, not really paying attention to any fine print that might be there, and held them up for the clerk to take. "There, all done right and proper. Now why don't you be a good little boy and take care of these?"

Maldrid nodded to Pelena and headed off to further persuade the Mage's guild to provide assistance. The only fact he didn't like was that Pelena was calling him a lad. He wasn't quite sure how old Pelena was but it was bothering him a little that he was being called a lad when he was twenty-six years old. Maldrid didn't think his appearance made him look like he was still supposed to be at home helping with farming chores and whatnot.

Maldrid ran quickly towards the Mage's guild that he was at earlier with the bosmer, who seemed to have not quite the best of tempers. Perhaps he could be a bit more persuasive to them. He hoped that he could get them to the fire in time. [i]Those arrogant mages better be ready to help,[/b] Maldrid thought.

Maldrid finally arrived at the guild and knocked on the door hard enough that the mages inside were sure to hear it, but not in a threatening way. Maldrid was met with a rather irritated voice.

"I'll not say this again, we are guild. We don't work for the Legion."

"Many people who are in the town are helping with this fire! Why don't you come out," Maldrid said.

"We are not coming out to take care of something as trivial as a fire. Our abilities should not be wasted on something so small."

"Have you even taken a look at the fire?"

"I'd imagine it is small enough to be easily contained if it has only taken one building."

"You stupid mage! You haven't even taken a look at the thing to determine its size!"

"It's just a fire! Nothing we need to concern ourselves about," the mage said, sure that it would end the argument.

Maldrid sighed to himself. From the look of things he'd have to think of something better to persuade them to come along with him to help with the blaze. Maldrid thought for a moment. He didn't want to use force to get them out, that would be unwise. He determined to himself that he'd have to motivate them in another way.

"This behavior is looking a little suspicious to me. It seems that the mages here are potentially necromancers. You want to wait until there are fresh corpses to help you with your necrotic experiments! If word of this got out, think of how the rest of the guild would think. They'd come in to deal with you soon enough." Maldrid smiled to himself after that. He knew that the mages guild had banned the practice of necromancy. This for certain would rile them up enough just to prove that they weren't bent on getting new corpses from the fire.

He heard the door open behind them and a very frustrated mage came out with a few others. "Very well, lead on."

Maldrid was satisfied with the result, "Follow me!" After which he ran off towards the fire, bringing in the mages behind him.

Imperial Settlement of Helnim Wall - Morrowind Province

Flaminica Pallas Flaminia Sulca

While attending her work, Pallas overheard an old crone speaking to one of the legionaries. Her wording was enigmatic, but Pallas was able to surmise that the general gist of her comments were along the lines that this was not an ordinary fire. This was becoming increasingly apparent, besides: an ordinary fire would have shown some signs of abating, but this one had not. Were she a more powerful spellcaster, she would have attempted casting a dispel affect on the entire conflagration. This was well beyond her, however.

But she still had an idea. She approached the legionary officer, and spoke with the confident poise of the wellborn.

"Excuse me, officer. This fire shows no signs of abating, and I think it's possible that the fire is being fueled by supernatural means. I may have the ability to cast an elemental fire shield on up to three people, including myself, if you would like an investigation. I will be unable to fight while maintaining these shields, however?but that is insurmountable, given the strength of this fire."

TAG: Chalupadealer

"Excuse me, officer. This fire shows no signs of abating, and I think it's possible that the fire is being fueled by supernatural means. I may have the ability to cast an elemental fire shield on up to three people, including myself, if you would like an investigation. I will be unable to fight while maintaining these shields, however?but that is insurmountable, given the strength of this fire."

Pelena looked nervously around the laboring townsfolk trying to save their poor city. "Are you sure? I'm no mage, but I've heard elemental spells are unruly to deal with. You never know what might effect your safety level. No, I won't have you going in there. There are too many risks! Speaking of mages, where is the blasted guild! Keep an eye on things, and send someone of little consequence after me if I'm not back soon."

Pelena rushed off to the guild headquarters, encountering Maldrid and a group of wizards along the way. "Oh, no. You've got to be kidding." The group was clad in traditional green robes, as all apprentices and initiates wore. "You dolt! And you still have my money!" Pelena rushed past and continued to the lofty stone building.

Without knocking, she slammed the door open. Her jaw dropped. The old woman that had disappeared was conversing with the master of the guildhall.

She stood up silently, scowling. "How did you..." Pelena started, but suddenly a green bolt blasted into her stomach and wound its way around her torso before fading away. Her eyes rolled back and she toppled to the ground and lost her senses.

"Get rid of her!"

"She won't be able to hear. As I was saying, you have to send someone to deal with it. If they found out what kind of poison Anarion was brewing they'd know exactly who to blame."

"I sent out some recruits. They have orders to destroy the all the bottles."

"They won't be able to do squat. It's the most fire of the most powerful sort, made to burn your enemies to dust. We'll need it for battles to come."

"That's too far in the future to concern ourselves with!"

"We need to dissociate ourselves from the Empire now. We need to prepare for the future."

"We can worry about the politics of things later. You can't honestly believe that it was a good idea to prepare all this!"

"War is coming on Tamriel. We don't want to be on the losing side. The Guild of Mages has always looked after its own interests, and the Empire is no longer in that category."

"You're not listening to me! We're going to get caught! Even if we don't, that means letting the town burn to the ground!"

"And why shouldn't we let that happen? This hall wouldn't be reached by the fire before the poisons burn out. It would serve us well for them to be spent: no evidence and no witnesses."

"So you're changing your mind about sending more help?"

"Well, what are the odds of them discovering anything before it's too late? I gave them some advice in riddles, they'll figure it out soon enough. By then the poisons should be spent enough."

"What if they aren't! What if they figure things out sooner than you expect! Punishment by the Legion!"

"Idiot. What are you not understanding? The Empire has run its course! Put it out of your mind! Turn your eyes to a new future and embrace it."

"I don't know. I feel awfully nervous that something will come of this before they leave town..."

"For good. The won't be coming back out of Argonia. Nobody does. Don't you get it? This is a new opportunity! If we can withold the guild in the coming onslaught, we'll be the greatest power on Nirn!"

The old man left the building in disgust, heading towards the fire. He was torn between his love for the guild and his firm belief that the Empire's time was not past. Not everyone shared that opinion, quite obviously. The local guild had indeed been preparing long lasting poisons that would set armies alight. Such cruel weapons had been outlawed by Archmagister Traven, but his time was past, too. The Mage's Guild was returning to its morally ambiguous roots.

He eventually reached the party to bring tidings of what the true nature of the disaster was. Seeing Fara directing current events, he approached her.

"This is the fault of the Mage's Guild. Someone is going to have to remove a crate of bottled poisons from Anarion's basemant."

He looked nervously at the setting sun, realizing that his confession would have some dire implications. He swallowed deeply. "I'm sure that the Legion and I will be discussing legalities later, but there is no time for that now! Is there anyone who can do this errand?"

He looked around the crowd, seeing that his own apprentices were either glaring angrily or opening thier mouths in shock.

A single Legionnaire, the Dunmer Vilvan, looked curiously in his direction upon hearing him explain that the Mage's Guild had set this fire. The Dark Elf returned to his work, but not without a glance back at him every now and again.

The fire crackled fiercely, almost as if sensing the coming intrusion. The time had come to end the current calamity of Helnim Wall.

OOC: I probably shouldn't have barred posting, but now things can be concluded proper. Anyone has permission to resolve events.

Having been ordered to supervise the firefighting didn't exactly fill Fara with joy. Sure it don't hurt if the local boss thinks you're good enough for that. But commanding a mixed bag of Legion and Fighter's Guild. With more than a few outranking me... that can be messy. Bah it's not like I've much to lose... But let's start wit the easy stuff to get the ball rolling.

She started her firefighting with the marketplace. First dropping the canvas roofs which were the most flammable parts and soaking them with water to protect the stands under them. She also directed some of them men to move away carts and anything that moved. They were some grumbling. "The Lady said I'm in charge, it means I'm in charge, normal ranks be damned. That's no proper procedure , I know it, but I don't give a fart right now. What matters is the frigging fire and doing something about it. We'll sort whose toes got stepped on once it's under control, but until that's done I'm in charge. You can get lost if you don't like it. But don't hope much freebies from the locals if you do."

Soon her makeshift troop got in motion, the first to act driving the rest and training taking over their protest. This wasn't a parade drill and despite her initial opposition most surrendered to the fact that in a messed up situation, orders form a questionable source were better than no orders

With her rear now reasonably safe, she turned the men's effort to the burning stands. Breaking them apart to remove what was not burning and spread the rest thin enough to be extinguished then sending it all further away from the fire. Soon the marketplace ? or at least the threatened part of it ? was cleared and safe. Which left them free to focus their efforts on the houses next to the fire. The buckets soaking their walls were keeping the fire at bay, but the already darkened wood and whiffs of smoke meant it would not last. We're lucky to be in a dunmer town, they can get closer to that damn fire. Otherwise these two house would already be burning. But why did that old moron store enough incendiary mix to outfit a whole Legion ? What kind of arsonist could possibly need that much ?.