As mia sat near the fire in thought she saw Vivian enter and sit nearby, also thinking about something. She guessed this was the reason why he wasn't paying attention to the fact she was right there. After looking at him for a while she began to smile. "I guess someone remembers their promise mm?" she asked ever so sweetly as she stood up and walked towards the Dunmer. She knelt close to him and playfully flicked his nose. "I think its just what we need after having so many horrible things happen to all of us over the past few days.. could be a great way to relax for once.."

Mia still remembered everything that had happened recently, and shook her head for a moment. She shouldn't be dwelling on the past.. she knew this because alot of her own past still had not come to her, and she didn't want to know what else she had done in her few eras of living.

(sorry guys for not replying. I think im falling behind or failing also, Aula, since your char seems to be the most logic option i'll have adeth for your char's company for now. Be prepared.)

Adeth sat in a corner of the great hall drinking warm wine from a mug and still slightly shivering. The people he saw, those of the group all seemed to be deep in conversation and that made him feel lonely and out of place like he had most of the time they were together. He just drank the wine and sat there in silence or rather, trying to think where he did wrong, from where this all started but couldn't find the spot oddly.

After a little while of sitting, Adeth stood up and walked towards the armory as he might as well have his katana properly repaired. He walked towards the armory and to his surprise found Zant talking to the smith. Seeing him or anyone of the group made him feel slightly unsure of himself. Adeth didn't want to interrupt the two talking so he just looked around the room until he came to an armor stand that held brand new lighter type armor the blades wore. And seeing it, he remembered that he had ordered it for himself the first time there. He had never taken it because he hadn't had time and now he felt like he wasn't worth it, he was both a coward and no longer a blade for that matter.

He stopped to admire the armor and look closely on it, inspecting it as he could.

Vivian looked up to Mia as she spoke, and recoiled when she flicked his nose. Or tried to, as his reflex surpassed her humanized Daedric speed or whatever and her finger missed. Or maybe she hadn't intended to actually hit his nose to begin with. Vivian smiled back. "A lot happened since we made that promise, huh?" He asked rhetorically, and quietly, both arms resting on the arms of the chair.

"I'm hazy on the details, but I believe it was a dinner, yes?" He asked. "Have a favorite place in Bruma?"

OOC: Ah ha! I got it! We'll get you into the group, Uglius! Somehow... maybe you can save Vivian from embarrassment?

ooc: Oh, that works. I was thinking of using a third char here and using her to bring Tim in, but that's just as good. ^_^

I may yet use her anyway, though, since with Mira gone we've got a space for a brainy, cute creature in our ranks. :shrug:

ic: "Staff?" Karst asked in confusion a moment before recalling that he'd been given the Staff of Indarys. "Oh, right. I forgot about that."

Setting a hand back on Odeen's as she'd done before the tea incident and her pale lips curved into a soft smile. "Don't worry about spilling tea on me. I'm half Dunmer, remember? I can take heat. Hurt a bit but.." Karst shrugged, "..doesn't matter. I'm more worried about you and your coldness."

The Khajiit finished off her own cup of tea and set the empty mug down, then patted Odeen's hand. "Why don't we go find you a room to lie down in with a fireplace so you can warm up? I'll make us lunch, myself some coffee and you some more tea. Sound good?"
_______
The blacksmith nodded and went to open a small drawer in the backside of his work table. "Hmm.. now where did I put that thing?" the man muttered. Suddenly, he perked up and snatched something with a small 'clink' from inside the drawer. "Here we go."

Standing up, the Redguard thumped the sheathed, curved blade onto the table. A worn leather belt like that which would be used to strap a dagger to one's leg hung from the sheath. Walking up as the smithy lifted his giant, gloved hand from the weapon, Zant pulled the blade out and looked at it, running a finger over the sharp side. "Hmm.. It looks worn, but the edge is perfect." Zant commented to himself. Looking up, he smiled. "How much?"

"Three-hundred even. I doubt you'll find anyone willing to part with one like this for less."

Zant looked at the dagger a moment, then slipped it back into its sheath with a click and set it on the tabletop. "Alrighty, then. I'll take it." he said cheerily. While counting the coins out, Zant flicked one ear back at the sound of someone else entering the room. Only when he was done a minute or so later and had stuck the Elven dagger into his bag did he turn and see Adeth. Although he was honestly more interested in what he was looking at, what appeared to be a light variation of the Blades' armor -basically streamlined leather and chainmail with plating of Akaviri design attached in spots- but he saw the depression etched into the Imperial's face and felt he should offer comfort. Approaching Adeth, Zant smiled in a friendly manner.

"Heya, Adeth. You look down. What's wrong?" he asked, genuinely caring how the man felt unlike the greater majority of the group.

Adeth jumped a bit at hearing Zant adress him and turned around to face him. 'Well... If you really care, I dont belong here or rather I don't deserve it.' He told the man, actually glad to be able to talk to someone. 'I ordered that armor when I joined the blades.' He said again and sounded a bit depressed now but he was composed enough. 'It's the type of armor the scouts wear and since Im not much of a warrior or swords man, I thought maybe this type would fit. But after all, Im a coward and not worthy of it.' He finished and touched the chest part of the armor.

'I am not a blade, never was and so I wouldn't have any right to wear it.' He said finally. Adeth felt good to say what he thought to someone, be it a stranger or someone he didn't know too well. He didn't actually know anyone in the group that well, exept Mia if that at all. She was changed. He shook his head and took his hand away from the armor and walked to the smith and handed him his akaviri katana. 'Think this needs a bit of fixing.' He told the man who just nodded.

Adeth turned to Zant again. 'Im sorry for what happened back in Cheydinhal, I mean spying on you and Iris.'

Mia looked at Vivian for a moment when he asked her about any places in Bruma. "hmmm.. where in Bruma would make for a nice.. romantic meal. That's a tough one that is" Mia said and began to giggle a little. "But i think i could get someone from cloud ruler here to make something, since i love the warmth the fireplace gives, and well since Iris will have to find out sooner or later. I can't wait to see the look on her face.. not that i'd want to embarrass you too much in front of your sis of course"

When she said that Mia looked around as to see if Iris did suddenly appear on cue. "Um where did she go anyways? didn't the two of you come in together?"

Vivian gave a slightly nervous grin at this, not sure exactly how to remark back on that comment, but he took the opportunity to vary the subject a little when asked about Iris. "She's reporting to Grandmaster Jauffere and Martin. She might be a while." He replied, sighing. "Besides... it might be better to not get family involved in the first date." Honestly, he just didn't want the mocking and teasing his sister would give him if she found out he was actually dating a woman. He'd always been so adamant about the wickedness of women in their youth, it would make a comedic irony. Something he'd rather not face right now.

"And if we go to Bruma, there will be less chance of a Blade interrupting us for 'business'."

OOC: Best not, Aulakuass. We should allow someone to come into the rp and fill that role.

When she heard 'date' in Vivian's response Mia grinned. "so it is a date now is it? Well.. in that case.. maybe Bruma would be a better place so we do not get 'interrupted' no?" She accompanied this reply with a wink and stood up. "Well.. i guess i'd better get myself ready. i still have some things here that could be useful for our little night together.. after all there has been some formal dinners here in the past.. with the previous emperor and all that" With that Mia smiled again at the Dunmer, turned around -making her skirt swish around as she did so- and walked off towards her bedroom. The last time she had been on a proper date was in the Imperial city.. and that was with Adeth. Thinking about how everything had changed in the few weeks that followed made her wonder why she as like this.. always needing someone to be with her.. maybe being a daedra meant that she needed someone close to her so she could stay in this world.. and that explanation in itself might be the reason why she needed someone.. but she wasn't a daedra.. not in mind or body in any case, and this comfoted her a little.. at least she could still have feelings.

After reaching her room she locked the door behind her and began looking for something that would make Vivian stop everything for a moment. Having the mental thought of Vivian just gawking for a second, made Mia giggle. She was going to have so much fun tonight.

yea.. give someone an opportunity to make the others go 'awh'

EDIT: sigh.. well im moving tomorrow morning and as a result im not going to have internet for a while.. month max hopefully... Im sorry about this being told at such late notice, but alot has been happening.. and well i didnt want to have to say i have no net for a while.

ah well Vivian might get to miss the date altogether now if i am not back so lucky him

Paulus followed the group in to Cloud Ruler, still amazed that the Septim blood-line was still alive, and that the closing of the Oblivion gates was not just a final "F--- you!" to the Deadra, but something that they where actually going to trully accomplish for the good of Cyrodil. an attempt to continue closing the gates would be impossible, only a group or a single powerful person, with the abilty to put aside the emotions that held people back, such as revenge, depression, lust, love, friendship and more would it be possible. But with Martin Septim actually being alive, a group could afford to be bogged down by emotions, because they had an ace up their sleeve. The Septim blood.

He pushed aside his momentary philosphical nature, and located the resident blacksmith. As he walked down the stone stairs, ducking his head, he saw that Adeth and Karst's brother, or who he assumed was, talking. The blacksmith looked up at Paulus as he came down, and set aside what he was working on. But Paulus ignored him, and instead approached the Blade armour that was on display, and nodded to Adeth and the Kha'jiit as he examined the armour.

OOC: meh post, but trying to get some more posts

OOC: awwww...no posties?

waiting for pAula...

ooc: Sorreh fore mah absenz, peeplez. I'm in Klamath Falls, fetching my new gaming rig from my Uncle Mike. Anyway, that's why I been gone. And am still gone, really. I'll be home t'morrow.

Shadow, I'm sure nothing much will happen between now and when you get your nettage back, so no worries. *pats reassuringly*

And damn you, FC! I've been itching for some new blood here for a while.. Fine, then. I'll make something evil. You happy now?!*cries*

ic: Zan'Tarre was a much more level-headed and much less judgmental person than Karst. He was willing to give Adeth another chance. The Imperial sounded like he wanted to be useful, to be a fighter. He didn't seem to just be trying to justify his moping.

"It's fine. No need to apologize." Zant said nonchalantly, "And although I agree that you're not much of a swordsman, I don't think it's fair to put yourself down like that. You've had no training in fighting, correct? How can you expect yourself to be good at something you've never done?"

As he talked, he walked over to a rack of katanas and took one down. Zant flicked and twirled it around himself, stopping with it in a standard two-handed stance. It was a good deal lighter than his Elven sword; he was so used to that weight in his hands that the sword felt like a feather. His eyes went over to look at Adeth's arms, then he considered the weight of the katana and made a 'hmm' sound. "For one, I think you need to learn a better stance with this thing. It's light, but if you're not used to long blades it can still be unwieldy. For two, you need training with it. I'm no big fan of katanas but I can use them, and I can tell you that they're less useful when used as a normal longsword. I could train you a bit if you like." he offered, then set the blade back on the rack. "Another thing you might want to consider is learning archery. I'm not sure how amiable or approachable Karst is right now, but she'd be the best one to teach you the trade out of our group. Same if you're interested in short blades. In any case, you can't expect to be able to use a weapon without training with it."

Adeth's face lit up as Zant told him that he could train him with the sword. Zant was absolutely right, the sword was light and actually hard to use effectively when he had no training of the sword. 'I uh... I only know a bit about swords and I've trained archery for a bit as a child.' He told the man and nodded. 'I thank you for this.' He said cheerily. So not all hate me, or they just hate me. There was a cynical ring to his thoughts and that made him shakes his head slightly.

Adeth's face darkened now just a bit. 'About archery, Selene improved my skill with the bow. I know how it works now and that would save Karst a bit, we uh... don't exactly get along well.' He told Zant and what he said was just an excuse not to be taught by Karst. And quite close to admitting he knew nothing of the bows either.

'I accept your offer though, when do we start?' Adeth asked eagerly. It was then when he noticed Paulus had come in. He gae the man a nod. 'Maybe us three could train? Or I dont know.' Adeth suggested. He knew nothing of the man and barely talked to him.

Paulus examined the Blades overly ornate armour, the designs and intricare patterns, when he noticed that the material was almost the same thickness of his own armour. He perked his head when Adeth had mentioned training together.

"Sure. I havent gotten to use a weapon scince I managed to get my arm tore up going three to one with the bandits. I know about using blunt weapons a bit too." And he withdrew the Dewmer battle axe, smacking the flat edge of the axe in his hand. "I dont get along that well with Karst ethier, she nearly tried to nuter me. But oh well. You also need to get some armour training in. And none of this flashy Blade armour, something more practical, like some chainmail or at the very least, leather."

Vivian watched her twirl and the skirt swish with a calm, yet interested gaze. As she wandered off he watched her back, before reigning in his eyes so he was looking at the fire once more. So... she hadn't intended it to be a date from the start?

Great... well now you just made it one, Vivian. You are officially dating a Daedra. Must be a first. His mind retorted to himself, as the assassin gazed into the fire solemnly. Dating in the midst of a crisis like this... It'll go down in history, it will. A hero, dating the enemy.

But is she the enemy? Truly? She's Daedric, yes... but she is also partly human... and she isn't a servant of Mehrunes Dagon. So is she truly an enemy? Vivian debated to himself, before rising from his seat and picking up his bow and quiver. Pausing, he looked at the one Daedric arrow in that sea of steel. The one that was enchanted by that young, energetic inventor, Zana. An innocent young girl who died in his absence. He picked out the arrow and held it in his hand as he walked to the armory; the enchantment to disintegrate armor was still strong upon the arrow, he could feel it. As if Zana herself remained pulsing in her creation.

The arrow came to represent more than just Zana now. It was also a representation for Lora, who he had been unable to save, and for Selene, who had died because of him. Vivian gripped the arrow tighter as he entered the armory, which was already populated by Adeth, Zant, and Paulus. Ignoring them, Vivian moved to a bench and sat down, putting his bow between his legs.

While Mia would be getting ready for a date, Vivian would be reshaping his armament, refurbishing it. His heart was growing resentful of all this death, ironically enough. And to further the irony, it was inciting a lust within Vivian, a lust for even greater bloodshed. But unlike previous lusts, this was for Daedric blood.

Dagon's armies would fall, even if Vivian had to leave the group to accomplish this. There was too much death now, and each moment a Gate could open and more could die. Iris, Karst, Mia, Mira, Serena... any of the women that had come into his life and mattered. So far, they had all met death at Dagon's hands. As his thoughts dwelt on this he grew more sickened by it.

As he unstrung his recurve bow, Vivian contemplated on his next moves. While socially he was growing and advancing, learning to set aside his distrust of women and work with them, his skills in combat had not experienced the same blossoming. Rather, his sudden teamwork involvement was damping them. Strategies would have to change, new methods implemented. He'd have get some new weaponry.

Blood would be shed by his hands, Daedric blood, and Vivian would not stop until the crisis stopped.

OOC: Not sure just how it came to become this... but I sorta like the result of the post, I guess.

"I-I'm fine." Odeen lied, standing up only to stand still, gripping the staff in his scaled hand. "But I guess I could use something to eat...but really, about my temperature problem, I'm sure the tea warmed me up enough." he admitted, taking the time to gather up his stuff. The alchemist left the magical wood leaning against the chair, bending down to pick up his pack, which he had left on the floor. Slinging it over his shoulder, one could hear the clinks and rings of the contents sifting around inside. He once again grasped his staff, now thinking that he was forgetting something. "...I'd better go get Corshanx...I don't want him being stolen." he pointed out to Karst, ambulating off in the direction he had thrown the meddlesome leather piece of equipment.

Odeen had thrown the glove off to another table, where it had rested ever since. As he drew near the glove, however, he hesitated for a moment. I don't want him bothering me right now...maybe I should just hurry up and put him in my bag before he can talk to me..? he thought, displeased with how Corshanx manages to butt-in at the worst times imaginable. As if now resolute, he swept the glove from the table into his open pack, which he quickly covered. Glancing back at the waiting Khajiit, he sighed. "Alright...I'm ready now."

When Adeth thanked him, Zant nodded sagely, but frowned slightly at his saying he and Karst didn't get along. Sure, he was a sorry excuse for a man, but that didn't give Karst the right to be mean to him. He'd have to talk to her about that.. again.

"I don't get along that well with Karst either; she nearly tried to neuter me." Paulus added as he came in, and Zant suppressed an odd urge to break out laughing. "That.. sounds like something she'd do." he said, hiding his mirth, "Sorry, mate."

Turning towards Adeth, Zant nodded in agreement with the rest of what the forester had said. "I think you do need something a little lighter than that though, Adeth. Light armor's still heavy for someone who's never really used it much. Best start with the light fluffy stuff and work your way up."

A moment later, Vivian walked in and went by as if they didn't exist. He wasn't sure if something was wrong or if this was just Vivian being Vivian. It couldn't hurt to ask though, could it? "Just a sec, you two." Zant excused himself from the Adeth and Paulus, then walked over to where the Dunmer sat tuning his bow. "You okay, Vivian?" Zant's voice was its usual, gruff self, but there was a hint of concern. Nothing seemed to worry Vivian, and if something did, it certainly had to be worth looking into.
_______
Karst nodded, then lead on upstairs to where the guest rooms were. As they walked, she thought, as she often did when nothing was occupying her actively. A sort of reflection on recent moments in an anolytical way. And out of that, something jumped out and slapped her pretty hard. Holy hell. I've been flirting with Odeen.

Karst hadn't even really realized she'd been doing it at the time, but now as she thought on it, she wondered why. I mean, I like him, yeah, but.. only a little... right? Shaking her head as they went up the stairs, she looked up from her thoughts just in time to see Veyar turn the corner. Her instincts kicked in and she had silver at his throat before she recognized him. Suddenly, her heart was racing and her body was geared for a fight. When she looked up and saw the ashen face and red eyes, she realized what she'd done and her dagger fell to her side.

"Uh.. Karstine?" Karst just stared, shocked and horrified at how quickly she'd pulled a weapon on him. This wasn't her. I'm losing my mind.. Veyar tentatively set a hand on her coated shoulder. "Karstine?" he repeated a little softer and her eyes lost the glaze that'd been over them for a moment and met his.

"I-I'm.. I'm sorry.." she said hurriedly. What else should she say? What could she say? "I.. I need to go." Something hit her again as she spoke, though different from last time. It wasn't a thought, but rather a feeling. But.. what was it? It felt like lust, fear, hurt, love and loneliness all wrapped into one quick, painful jab in the guts. She wasn't sure if those feelings were hers, Odeen's, Veyar's, or another sign of her sanity's pending farewell. All she knew was that it left her feeling slightly nauseous and headachy.

By the time they got up the stairs and found a room, the little feline wasn't exactly sure what was going on still. She could feel that odd spike of emotion lingering still, and it confused her. Emotions from others had always felt like a little second opinion in her head, a rush of feeling like getting water poured on you suddenly, something subtle and distinguishable from her own feelings. But this.. this had hurt, and that feeling of disassociation was blurry at best. It didn't make sense. Am I just more sensitive to it right now or.. is this something entirely else?

Casually, she flicked her hand out at the fireplace and a bolt of lightning popped forth from her fingers with a dull crack to ignite the kindling. Sitting on the bed, she let her pack fall carelessly to the floor and stared at the fire. What the hell is going on with me?

Do'rhadi floated slowly around watching and wearily looking for others of the group to chat to. He watched the female khajiit walk up the stairs, she seemed rather down or in an odd mood. Seeing the others that were there, he remembered being told to see one of them instead. So, in his happy and bouncy mood approached the khajiit male first, feeling much more in a sense 'comfortable' talking to him and spoke up "hey, your with the others who are closing the gates and stuff right? I spoke to the young lady that went up the stairs and she pointed me to one of you. The name is Do'rhadi." he grinned relaxing alittle. "ANd id like to help your group"

The gray-scaled alchemist followed Karst as if he were a puppy, and recoiled a step backwards when his trusted friend suddenly drew a dagger and held it at her love's throat; oddly enough, it was as if Karst hadn't even recognized him. Veyar, after a hesitant pause, called Karst's name, which she had not responded to. After speaking once more, however, she spoke up to him and apologized. Odeen didn't know what to do, so he just stood and stared at Veyar throughout the awkward silence. Once the now perplexed Khajiit excused herself, he thought he'd leave an apology of his own, despite not having done anything wrong. "I-er-s-sorry...I hope she didn't startle you too badly..." The Argonian stuttered, dangerously timid in his speech.


Without waiting for a reply from Veyar, he went on to catch up with Karst in their search for an appropriate room. All the while Odeen said nothing else to Karst, who looked utterly disturbed by what had just happened. She could be bothered by the fact that she just pulled a weapon out on her own lover... he figured, and remained silent as Karst found a suitably empty room to stay in. Karst lit the fire as she strode inside, and Odeen couldn't help jumping at the sudden movement she gave. "Ah, uh, err..." he fell silent once more as the Khajiit sat on the bed, staring into the flames.

Placing his own pack by his friend's, he came over and sat right next to her, fondly, yet slowly bringing his hand over to hers. "...Karst...are you alright? What's wrong? You seemed so jumpy when you saw Veyar." he spoke quietly, as if he were afraid of speaking. "I-I mean...well..." Odeen didn't know exactly what he was trying to say, as he was set off balance by the whole thing. After some time of chatting somewhat pleasantly, this happened, and just swept him up in a flabbergasted state. Once again falling silent, he held Karst's right hand between both of his for a few more moments. After that, he set her hand down on her leg.

Vivian was not aware of this impression he gave, that nothing bothered him. So it was sort of unsurprising for him when he heard that gruff, guttural voice of Zant, Iris' new boyfriend, asking him if he was fine. Vivian figured he looked far from fine.

"About as fine as you can be in times like these." Vivian muttered back soberly, running his string between his fingers and testing its integrity. Satisfied, he began to restring the recurve bow. Not an easy feat, considering the bow's design.

"I'm tired, Zant." He finally elaborated as one arm of the bow was strung. "Tired of the death, the immaturity, the lack of leadership, lack of cohesion, lack of hope, lack of aspiration. Lack of everything that makes a heroic group." The other arm of the bow was strung, and Vivian rose to his feet, drawing an arrow from the quiver on his back.

"To many young, promising people have died in this crisis. And every time, they have died because we as a group were careless, disorganized, fighting, unprepared, and preoccupied." The arrow rested between his index finger, which extended towards the dummy a few yards away from him, and the side of his oaken bow. "I made the mistake of growing attached to these victims, despite the principles I had laid out for myself years ago. Growing attached to them proved negative, though for a different reason than I had grown up to believe."

He was, of course, speaking of his prudish, anti-woman morality, which had begun to shred through his trials alongside the women of the group. Vivian drew back the bow, the sound of wood bending a comfort to his ears. "If I were in charge of this group; I'd tell you to consider this your last vacation day." The arrow whistled simultaneously to the twang of the bowstring, and the steel arrowhead sunk deep into the wooden 'skull' of the dummy, which flailed around from the force of the bow.

ooc: Is something going down in Illusionary's little world or somethin'? I haven't seen her about lately, like.. at all.

ic: Karst didn't think about it, really, when Odeen took her hand in both of his. She just squeezed back gratefully, grateful for the contact, grateful for the company, and most of all, grateful for the fact that someone actually cared. She knew a lot of people cared now -Iris, Miranie, Serena, Odeen, Zant, Martin and, hell, even Vivian who she'd thought hated her until a couple days ago- but her mind was still used to the world as she'd known it for the last seven years. She was used to being hated, scorned and abused, the proverbial dirt on the bottom of the guards' boots that they loved to walk and spit on. Being cared about and.. loved, even.. still felt alien to her.

For a moment, she thought about this and smiled at her relative turn of fortune, but Karst being Karst and being depressed already, had to throw some cynicism into it. Out of the cage and into the fire. I've traded hate and abuse for danger and chaos. Is this really better than prison?

Then, she looked down at the cold, ash-scaled fingers that held her right hand and instantly had her answer. Hell yes it is. I can live and die a free woman, every injury I incur is in combat, fighting for a purpose, for saving lives, not the pointless violence of the Arena or the meaningless torture of the Chain Room. I have friends, family, support. People actually give a [censored] whether or not I'm still breathing come tomorrow morning. This beats the hell out of prison a thousand times over. Glancing up at Odeen's face, she smiled a tiny, weak smile, the best she could muster at the moment, but she felt better. People love me here. Why, I'll never know, but they do.

And without really thinking, she leaned over and hugged Odeen, gripping his hand even as he let go. Closing her eyes, Karst sniffed and let out a little cry, something about halfway between a laugh and a sob, then squeezed him harder. "I dunno what I'd do without y'all here to help me." she said, her voice quivering with unshed tears, but sounding happy despite, "I just wish there was something I could do for every freakin' one of you to pay ya back for it all.." Karst sniffed and laughed softly, "You're awful hard to shop for."
_______
ooc: Ooh! Frank post! ^_^

And yeah, I got ya, Sib. It's 9PM here and I've been runnin' on nothing but coffee and music all day.

ic: Zant took all of what Vivian said in, a contemplative look on his semi-feline face. Behind the crystal of his eyes, a shadow flickered past, just momentarily, at the mention of young, promising people who'd died. Khassie.. she had dreams and plans.. we both did. And she was barely older than Karst when they killed her, twenty-six years old.

Vivian didn't know how much Zant sympathized with him. The death, the dysfunction, the infighting, and Karst being all secretive about something that so obviously was ripping her apart inside, it was all starting to really piss him off. The Khajiit didn't really give a rat's ass about heroics or even being given credit like some of the others, though. All he wanted to do was make sure as few people lost loved ones as possible.

"The hell with heroism, Vivian, we just need to get our crap together so we can fight the bastards." Zant finally said at the end of it all, "I'm trying to see if I can help Adeth learn to fight and, if she ever opens up to me, maybe I can help clear the webs from Karst's mind so she can focus again. I know I could harness that fury of hers if she'd just [censored] communicate." His frustration with his sibling was a little more obvious than he'd meant it to be, and Zant sighed at this realization, lowering his voice in mild shame. "I'm sorry, it just.. it kills me to see her suffer like this and feel so helpless."

Straightening up, Zant continued in a more steady tone. "Maybe we just need to grab them by their proverbial balls and tell 'em what to do." he suggested, then shrugged, "Some of them might get pissy, but people need discipline. If not set straight, they just veer further off course until.. well.. this happens. Personally, I think we all need to get to know one another better, so that every one of us knows where each of us excels and where each of us falls short, and let those who are good at the shortcomings fill in those holes. That's how armies do it. I'm not sure exactly how to reign everyone in to propose this, but.. it's worth a try, don't you think?"

No sooner had Zant finished than a Khajiit came behind him and cheerily introduced himself, then offered to help. He smiled a bit.

"Yeah, we are, and we sure as hell can use some extra help. So, what can you do, Do'Rhadi? We can't make use of ya if we don't know what you're good at." his tone was friendly, if curt, but he hoped the Khajiit wouldn't mind.

Adeth had stepped back a bit as zant conversed with Vivian who had come in just now and then a khajiit came to offer help. Adeth nodded to the khajiit politely. 'I actually agree with Vivian. We aren't heroic at all, me especially.' He told them. 'Then I remember a time I uh... appointed Selene as the leader.' Adeth cut off his sentence in the middle and continued with half a whisper. Her name still brang tears to his eyes.

Adeth composed himself again and looked at zant, Vivian, Paulus and the new khajiit. 'I think training could make us work better as a group and getting to know eachother.' He said and nodded. But actually Adeth wasn't thinking about that at all. He wanted himself to be better so the group wouldn't be so disfunctional (new word ). He turned to the new khajiit again then. 'Maybe you too would like to train with us?' He asked politely.

Up till now, he had been mostly quiet, never saying anything in the group unless someone would get their tempers up. He had allready seen one of the group members show signs of cracking from some of the ordeals they had suffered, and the spirt of the group was in tatters. It was apparent to him from when he first saw them emerge from the Oblivion gate. But now he finally raised his voice to the problems of the group, along with Vivans

"Who is leading us anyways? I've barely seen any signs of a leader among us. But if you want to really, really truely turn all of us into a fighting formation, all of this inner turmoil crap needs to be figured out now. Here. And emotions need to be put under control, supress them, forget about them. They get in the way of things, distract your focus, cause battles to be lost, bad choices made. After the battle is over can you let lose your emotions. Thats how I was taught in the Legion."

Do'rahdi grinned alittle "Well, combat wise I can fight with either blades or my hands. I travel around and teach others the khajiiti martial arts." he gave a nod with a slight purr, pretty much in a higher happy state than what appeared to be around them. "And id be happy to help you all out"

"Thank you for the assistance, Khajiit." Vivian spoke up after Do'Rahdi had spoken. "I'm Vivian."

The assassin lowered his bow, resting it horizontally in front of him before turning to look Zant in the eye. For a moment the Dunmer was silent, before he drew another arrow. This one he did not place on the bow; it was a Daedric arrow, and glimmered with magic. "Zant... I have killed men, women... even children-" His voice noticeably dropped at this, before picking up again. "-for pay. I don't give a damn about heroics. I am the opposite of a hero. But the fact is-" His grip on the arrow shifted from the fletchings to the shaft. "-to the people of Tamriel, we ARE heroes. We are their heroes, whether we desire to be, want to be, or think ourselves capable of being. We are the heroes of Cyrodiil, and bandits are more organized than we are."

"Paulus is right. If there is one thing the Fighter's Guild taught me in my youth, it was emotional turmoil is not good in battle. If there is one thing my profession has taught me, it is emotions will cause you to fault." He spun the arrow in his hand, before placing it back in his quiver. "I am going outside to practice. Please inform each person that I wish there to be a meeting tomorrow morning. Tonight, they can have their fun."

Vivian left no explanation or reasoning behind his words, as he walked out of the armory at a brisk pace and didn't pause to look back or even close the door. He didn't stop until his bared arms and chest met the cold air, warmed only by the fur vest, pants, and the cloths over his forearms.

The cold was biting, but it brought his mind into sharp focus; Vivian was losing his touch, and he needed to regain it. So, he revealed in the freezing temperatures, and headed for the grassy patch where the Blades had been training earlier.