Those Remaining : The Elder Scrolls Series Discussion

» Fri May 27, 2011 7:08 am

OOC: Would you like me to fill my role of El General, and take a few of this dozen off your hands?

IC: Marallyn simply watched him eat, daintily taking some pieces of her own and chewing on them, and then watching as the satisfied man sat on the couch. Some things never change. Marallyn thought as she looked at him, grinning to herself. When he stood and thanked her, she decided to put in her two septims. "It was no problem at all hun. You can't leech off me forever though, as I wasn't aware I had invited a starving animal into my house; I thought you were just a bum on the street. I barely ate half that." She waved one hand at the tray that once held sliced ham, and was now spotless of meat. Even the meat crumbs, gone. He gave that smile, though, and she couldn't help but smile back. Damn his charm. Damn him.

"You don't have to be a stranger. You can continue using the couch, I rarely ever do." She told him, folding her arms over her chest. "As for the money... I'm not paying for your drinks so you can act like an ass to me again, Crito." Her voice went from playful to chiding sharply. "I learned the first time. No drinks for you when I'm around." She flicked her red hair over her shoulder, the curls bouncing.

"And to be clear, I don't like what you had done then; but I don't hate you for it. You just have to work harder to gain the favor you once had, that's all." She smirked at this, before giving him a bye-bye wave.

OOC: If you could take even one it would help me a bunch, I've just begun thinking of a few while I've been trying to sort my PC out - it's decided to give me another dozen problems to deal with now that I have RAM that isn't faulty - which is why it's taken me so long to get round to this. If you do fancy taking on some, feel free to either ask me or make your own people up - that goes to anyone who wants a shot at it.

IC: "I know you, you don't hold grudges. You're better than that; better than me at any rate, and that takes some doing." He was already half way out the door when he said that, and when it shut closed he realised just how cold it was outside in Mountainholm today, only a thin layer of snow covered the ground, but the sun barely penetrated the ominously brooding clouds that encircled the keep, and as a flock of birds drew his gaze upwards, a shiver went down Crito's spine.

Either it was the cold; or it was the cold feeling that had crept up his throat and refused to let go. He couldn't deny it, he had a bad feeling about something, which didn't usually happen to him. Damn it. He thought, trying to shake away the feeling, it's nothing, just the cold. And so he headed towards the inn that he should have stayed in last night, hoping that he'd be able to find it this time.

» Fri May 27, 2011 4:52 am

Lore watched Karst sadly. The woman was clearly still suffering from the death of Arybeth- something Lore couldn't really understand. Lore herself had become so accustomed to people dying around her- friends, family, total strangers- that she was completely dead inside to it. The only difference this time was that it had been her fault.

Karst spoke of her companion, and Lore nodded along, for she had indeed seen that Argonian, although it was nice to put a name to the face, when Karst finally broke down. Lore just sat there with her, not really having words to offer, but her demeanour and expression was sympathetic, and at times like these being alone and isolated could be very bad for your mental health.

At last, Lore said, At that, she fell silent again.

Karst had likely seen just as much death as Lorenna, but unlike the young elf, Karst had never grown entirely used to it. She managed to get past the feelings of disgust and guilt she'd originally felt for killing bandits and outlaws, but seeing those she cared about, or even those she just knew die, always affected her greatly. Karst could never get over the feeling that she'd done something wrong, that she'd slipped up. She always felt like if she had just done something a bit different, they might still be alive. When Lore spoke, Karst tilted her head up a tad to look at her.

"I'm happy to report what happened in a few moments, but.." Lorenna seemed to falter a moment, as if unsure what to say. "You've helped me a lot.. Somebody caring makes all the difference.. and I'm sure it makes a difference to Arybeth too, wherever she is." Karst wasn't sure what to really say. She'd never thought of it the other way around. She knew she was needy, craving friendship and affection she never seemed to get or get enough of, but it'd never occurred to her that the same might be true for others as well. Karst then found herself wondering with a pang of guilt if the woman had ever known the warm embrace of a man that loved her or the reassuring hug of a friend who cared. She thought she had it bad, not being able to get romantic attention anymore, but somehow she doubted Lorenna had ever known that kind of love in the first place, if she'd ever felt loved at any point in her life. It made her feel terrible. The little feline wiped some snot off her nose and sniffed.

"Thank you, Lorenna." she finally managed after a bit of scrambling mentally for a response that seemed fitting. "If.. if you ever need anything, something to eat, a bed to sleep in, a shoulder to cry on, I'm here. I.. I know how it feels to have nobody, to be able to trust only yourself and.. sometimes not even that. I know that.. all too well. I don't you to be stuck in that spot anymore. You deserve better." The words just fell out of her mouth without her brain actually thinking them. Karst was just letting her heart talk for her at the moment. Sometimes it takes seeing someone who's got it worse than you to make you realize just how much you've really got.

"I don't know if you have a family, or if you ever did that you can recall, but.. I'm willing to be here for you, day or night, if you need someone. It's the least I can do for someone that can actually save lives rather than just take them like me."
_______
ooc: There's not much I can do with Fedura, so let's get her to an inn so she can lie down, feel better, and get back to [censored]ing and moaning.

ic: Fedura looked up at Reissa and blinked. Her mind was still foggy from being knocked out.

"I.. I need to lay down.." she said lamely, forcing herself to walk. Her legs felt stiff as she made her way up the staircase, but she kept going. The thought of being in a warm bed was sufficient motivation to keep going. As she climbed the stairs, she looked over at the Khajiit, wondering why the woman had helped her. Common decency was a factor she rarely accounted for, so it puzzled her.

"Why did you help me?" Fedura asked, her thoughts still jumbled. The elf wasn't hardly even sure she was awake at the moment.

» Fri May 27, 2011 4:09 am

Helping her up the stairs, Reissa was more concerned about navigating than answering the question, and thus took a moment to respond. "I don't know," she said, quietly, but gradually growing in volume, "because I can? Do I need a reason?" At the top of the stairs, she paused, looking quickly both ways. "Do you remember which way is out? I wasn't paying much attention on my way in. I was paying more attention to not getting skewered from behind, sorry."

» Fri May 27, 2011 8:32 am

Lore was completely surprised by the khajiit's words, startling a small, sad smile from the altmer. She leaned across and hugged Karst as best as she could- except for Burd, she hadn't hugged anyone in a long time. "Thank you again, Karst..." she said in her whispery voice. Releasing the half-breed khajiit, she wiped a tear from her eye hastily. "My family... I don't even know what happened to them, I haven't seen them in so long. I've had very little to do with people until I came to Mountainholm a few weeks ago. I thought... Burd..." thinking of the soldier- the first in her life to have stirred such confused feelings in her- made her shake her head bitterly. "Everyone abandons you or is taken from you in the end." She gave Karst a watery smile. "I hope you aren't, Karst. You're too good a person for that. I... I'd like to be there for you too, however I can."

-------

An ohmes-raht dropped, seemingly out of nowhere, to stand in front of a guard. Her pale skin was even paler than usual, and her crystalline blue eyes were panicked. "There's... there's a dead body... over there..." she pointed in the direction of it. "Throat slashed..." she licked her lips nervously even as her unusually bushy grey tail swished in agitation. "I could smell magic..."

The guard looked over at his partner, then back at the khajiit. "Shaman..." he muttered. He, like all the other guards, seemed particularly haggard- the as yet unannounced infliltration of Mountainholm and assassination of Savard was weighing heavily on them.

The ohmes, for her part, sensed there was something more going on, her ears laying back suspiciously as she moved to follow the guard to the body. "Is there something going on that I should know about?" she queried.

"No." the guard said shortly as he picked up his speed.

The small half-breed followed easily. "No really..." she said. "What are you hiding from me?"

"Nothing!" the guard said. "Now go away, or we'll throw you in jail again. Don't think I don't recognise you, Zeterra. You'll destabilise-" he flinched even as he said it, and continued, "... destabilise Mountainholm with your prying."

The khajiit hissed at him behind his back as she stopped following him, and a frown formed, her brow creasing in thought. She had the distinct impression Mountainholm was already destabilised. And that didn't sound good.

She seriously wanted to discuss this with someone, but didn't really know where to go. Most of the higher-ups were at a meeting about something- probably whatever this was all about- so she couldn't get to them (their mages had learned to put up anti-spying spells, damn them!). Not that anyone would listen to her- she was just a nineteen year old delinquent.

But she had to find somebody. Remembering the 'heroes' that had come to Mountainholm, she headed for the housing district. At least one of them had to be away from the meeting- right?

The only problem was, she had no clue which house to start at. As she got to the edge of the housing area, looking at endless stretches of shacks and shanties, she sighed. This was never going to work. The half-breed sank to her knees, ears drooping, tail low, wondering exactly how she was ever going to be allowed to have a say in her own future.

Name: Nolani Zeterra
Nickname: Nola
Race: Ohmes-Raht/Bosmer
Gender: Female
Age: 19
Birthsign: The Tower

Focus: Stealth
Major Skills: Sneak, Acrobatics, Athletics, Speechcraft, Security
Other Skills: Sense Motive, Sleight-of-Hand, Dagger
Class: Rogue/Spy

General Appearance: One of the ohmes-raht, and a cross-breed- it is often difficult to distinguish Nolani from an elf. Her features are completely elvish, although with a distinctly fox-like quality to them- her small, straight nose, her wide angular eyes, her small mouth and heart-shaped face coming together to make a more exotic and vulpine appearance. She is quite petite, although well-shaped, and she is wiry without muscles. Her dark hair is thick and wavy, her ears and tail smokey grey, and her skin pale white. Her canines, like most ohmes-raht, are slightly elongated into fangs, and her fingernails are much sharper and stronger than usual, making them into small but lethal claws.

The thing that sets her apart from other khajiit is really the shape of her ears and tail. They are both distinctly wolf-like- her tail far bushier than a cat's, her ears a more canine shape. All in all, she is easy to recognise as an ohmes-raht, however- they are just minor details.

Hair: Nola's hair is black, thick, and wavy. It falls to her shoulder in length. It's been pretty roughly cut- which thankfully is hidden somewhat by the waves of her hair- but its obvious in terms of her fringe, which is forever falling into her eyes.
Eyes: She has crystalline blue eyes, flecked with gold.
Height: 5ft0”
Build: Nola is petite but curvy, and is particularly agile.
Skin/Fur: Her skin is pale and smooth, and she has wolf grey fur, but only on her ears, tail.
Tattoos/Scars: She has a thin white scar above her left eyebrow, and dark scar on the right-hand side of her bottom lip.

Personality: Nola is extremely strong-willed, and will only change her mind when presented with calm and sensible reasoning, and even then only if in the right mood. She's highly temperamental and angers easily, but she does try to restrain it. However, if she doesn't let it loose she goes crazy. Nola is fiercely intelligent and is quite calculating in nature. She's also an incredibly good liar and diplomat. That being said, if she really strongly believes something, she won't back down.
Her sense of humour is eccentric and lively, and she particularly enjoys shocking people or trying to evoke particular reactions. She's quite playful and excitable, but also a huge cynic. Though compassionate to the point of empathy, she can be quite harsh and mean, either to get a point across or in temper, but she always regrets it when she hurts another's feelings- even though part of her takes a sick pleasure out of it.

Weapon(s): http://the-reef-shark.deviantart.com/art/Me-Dagger-61605689. She has a second dagger, a steel one, in her boot.
Clothing/Armour: She wears http://stolensock.deviantart.com/art/Orders-from-Lachance-88186514 and knee-high belted boots, both of which fit her well, and a midnight blue cloak. She wears leather gloves and a thick utility belt, as well as a plain copper amulet, unenchanted.

Inventory: Nothing on her at the moment.

Misc Skills and Traits:
-Enjoys games that involve skilful hands, and is rather good at sleight-of-hand tricks.
-Dislikes those who rely too heavily on magic to get their way- especially stealthy-types. (She makes exception for healers and battlemages)
-Often fidgets
-Has an odd ability to sense and feel the emotions of others as if they were her own, or a visible thing to her eyes.
-Gets bored really easily, and doesn't find most people all that interesting.
-Loves learning new things, and is educated in a number of areas.
-Has a particular taste for raw meat- and most frighteningly live animals sometimes- but attempts to restrain herself to vegetables and small amounts of meat only, to keep the bloodlust down.
-Is a carrier of the Sanies Lupinus disease, though she does not suffer from Lycanthropy herself.
-Can craft rudimentary lockpicks, and has good knowledge of traps and mechanical devices.
-Often quite animal-like, a queer mixture of a cat's independence and a dog's loyalty and companionship. She's wary of letting others see the real her- which is quite feral and at times completely enigmatic- but is desperate for real friendship and companionship.

Short Bio: To be revealed.

» Fri May 27, 2011 6:19 am

OOC: If you could take even one it would help me a bunch, I've just begun thinking of a few while I've been trying to sort my PC out - it's decided to give me another dozen problems to deal with now that I have RAM that isn't faulty - which is why it's taken me so long to get round to this. If you do fancy taking on some, feel free to either ask me or make your own people up - that goes to anyone who wants a shot at it.

IC: "I know you, you don't hold grudges. You're better than that; better than me at any rate, and that takes some doing." He was already half way out the door when he said that, and when it shut closed he realised just how cold it was outside in Mountainholm today, only a thin layer of snow covered the ground, but the sun barely penetrated the ominously brooding clouds that encircled the keep, and as a flock of birds drew his gaze upwards, a shiver went down Crito's spine.

Either it was the cold; or it was the cold feeling that had crept up his throat and refused to let go. He couldn't deny it, he had a bad feeling about something, which didn't usually happen to him. Damn it. He thought, trying to shake away the feeling, it's nothing, just the cold. And so he headed towards the inn that he should have stayed in last night, hoping that he'd be able to find it this time.

I hate him. Marallyn thought as Crito left the house, and she meandered her armored form over to the couch to lay down on it, feeling the warmth of where Crito's body had once been. Idly she twirled her finger over the surface of the couch. He's far too cute for his own good, and he knows it. I even stuck an arrow in his ass, and I still feel all giddy about the immature sod.

Sighing, Marallyn sprung up and moved to the fireplace, kneeling in front of it and placing another log on before grabbing the fire poker and moving the wood around. The fire played over her sober expression elegantly. It's probably better he never figured it out, though. Would have made working in our mercenary band all the harder.
--------------------
For a few minutes the room was empty, but then slowly captains poured in. Three came and saluted to Haki. Of them, one was a Nord; the other two were Imperials. But all three had a ragged head of brown hair and an unshaven face. The Nord was clad in steel plated armor with a furred under-layer, the hair poking out. The Imperials wore chainmail.

"Hjorn Bear-fist reporting." The Nord announced as he saluted, the raising of his hand allowing the light to play upon the intricate silver war axe hanging on his hip. After saluting he sat down, and the Imperials introduced themselves in the same manner. Samisul Harton and Dimitri Golo. Both of them sported broadswords at their sides, and seemed of middle aged fighting experience. Jalin gazed at all three with anolyzing eyes, arms crossed. Even though he looked completely out of place, his manner suggested he belonged here, which actually unnerved Hjorn. The Nord glared back at the gaze, before folding his hands on the table and awaiting the other captains' arrival.

Iris looked out of place, and felt it too. As the three men came in she held her head down, looking at the grains in the table. None of the captains had met with her on more than one occasion; Haki was an exception as Savard had favored the commander, and had Iris work with Haki on some times. Otherwise, Iris was more a rumor amongst the soldiers and captains than anything else. They'd witness her going to meet with Savard, but he never openly referenced her existence and the meetings were not made public; a fact that was necessary for adequate spy working, but did lend a horrid tag to Iris. She'd heard in bypass many guards refer to her as Savard's wench. Times like those made her glad Vivian was far away; he'd have likely snapped at the guards for such comments.

For now, Iris simply kept her hair under control, tugged at her blouse fidgetingly, and didn't make eye contact. Her mind focused on the upcoming meeting, and introducing herself. Maybe it was time to give up the hiding... after all, what good was she now as a spy?

» Fri May 27, 2011 5:51 am

Karst squeaked when she was suddenly hugged, but hugged back and smiled. Lore's words were ones she related to very well and it broke her heart to think of the woman going through what she'd gone through herself. She smiled a little at Lore's wish to be there for Karst too.

"Well, there's always room for another honorary Zeterra. I.. never had any biologically, so you an' Iris can be my sisters." Karst said, letting go of Lore and hopping down. She sat there a moment, sniffling, then let the blanket fall from her body and went to grab a shirt out of the closet. It was the sort that Imperial Foresters used to wear and had a bloodstained gash in the chest. She wondered if the garment's previous owner had died in it for a second before pulling it over her head, feeling the reassuring fuzziness of its soft lining. I wonder if this is how I feel to other people? she thought, and it made her giggle a little despite herself. Sitting down, Karst pulled her boots off and started to put her greaves on.

"If you can take care of Arybeth and reporting the Shaman for me.." the former noblewoman's name made her throat catch a bit and Karst swallowed hard to clear the feeling, "I can go tell Savard the details of what happened. Or Gerald or Haki if I can't find him. I don't trust the guards to get the job done right.. Call it bias, but.." The Khajiit shrugged as she slipped her footwear back on and cinched up the belts on her greaves. Pulling the slightly damaged and bloody mithril over her head, she tightened the belt under her chest and the one around her middle, slipped her weapon belts through the leather loops around the cuirass's waist and pulled on her gauntlets. It all felt a bit damp, but she needed to wear her equipment more to get used to it again. She'd felt like she was running underwater with all the weight last time she'd fought in it.

"I might be pushing the limits of my mental health by doing this, but I'm not gonna sit here an' cry while you flit around and do work for me." Karst told the Altmer resolutely as she pulled her tail through the little hole she'd punched in the butt of her greaves for it years ago. Free again, the appendage flicked around like it had a mind of its own. Karst rolled her shoulders a bit to let the armor settle on her body, then grabbed her coat off the ground and slung it over her shoulders, her little hands popping out of the sleeves. With the exception of a little more of a mature and despaired look, she looked almost the same as she had in the Crisis almost twelve years ago. Her emerald eyes currently lacked the glitter of mischief they usually had, but that always happened when she got depressed. For a moment, Karst looked for her bow and arrows before recalling they were missing. She needed a new set, but she doubted she could replace the Ebony one she'd lost, as well as repairs to her weapons and armor and a new shortsword. The ice weapon Odeen made her would do in a pinch, but she liked something more solid on hand.

Once suited up, the little cat walked over to the table with a subtle melody of shifting mithril and leather and leather-on-wood bootfalls to pour herself some tea. Once it was full, she brought it to her lips and drained it, not waiting for it to cool. The heat flooded her body and stomach and made her sigh audibly in relief as her body warmed. Pouring herself a second cup and Lore one, Karst walked over to Lore and handed her the drink, then hugged the woman like one might hug an old friend.

"And thank you for making me see just how much I've really got. Sometimes I get locked in this despair and I just need someone to kick me out of it." Karst said gratefully into the elf's pointed ear. "I gotta be sure I get home alive so Veddy can have his mommy back. Until then, I need to make sure I can fight so I can stay alive. And being sad like this ain't gonna do nothin' for me there." Letting go, Karst gulped down half her cup and smiled a tad, wiping some tears from her cheeks and eyes, "Besides, Arybeth'd want us to fight on and avenge her."

Karst's voice was still notably upset, but there was resolve behind it as well now. Though she was still barely not breaking down at the moment, she didn't let just how disturbed she was show. She tried to think of being brave, staying strong, and mostly, staying alive. It was ironic, though, that so many years ago she'd wanted to die and never could, but now that she wanted to keep living, the odds were that she was going to get killed.

Sitting back down on the bed to finish her tea before heading out, Karst sniffedand looked into her tea. "Seems like every time I'm about to lose it, someone swoops in and saves me. At least for the moment." she said, sounding like she was talking to herself until she turned to gaze at Lorenna. "Thanks for being that someone."

ooc: Feel free to reply, Illusionary, but I'll edit in Zant, Odeen and Fedura later if you haven't. Off to shower.

» Fri May 27, 2011 5:40 am

OOC: Finally got my heating problems with the computer fixed, and also managed to get Fallout 3 to stop crashing (there was a slight error with my 4870 card, fixed now), so I should be able to get back to a normal routine now. The last few posts have been awesome btw, by everyone, loving it.

IC: It wasn't often that Haki felt annoyance towards any one person, even when he was training new recruits he never got annoyed - angry, yes, but annoyance just wasn't an emotion that often crept into his mind. Now was an exception.

Seras Raviro, the very name irritated him.

Seras was, for all intents and purposes, a great soldier. Quick with the bow, strong with the sword and cool and precise in the most frenzied times, but his arrogance was something that Haki couldn't bear. The man thought he was better than anyone and everyone, and wasn't afraid to show it. One of the few Dunmer in Mountainholm, he didn't have the imposing stature many of the Nord or Redguard soldiers had, but the two blades at his side and the dark bow at his back gave a constant reminder of just how dangerous he truly was. He looked about thirty, though Haki guessed he was actually older, he never wanted to talk long enough to the man to ask to be honest. But now, they had to talk, he hated these moments.

"Seras." Haki acknowledged him with a nod of the head, Seras returned it.

"I see you're gathering together every soldier you can find." His voice was as smooth and silky as his style in combat, so full of confidence, so smarmy.

"All those who have at least some command in the castle, yes."

"Good. And you've brought along her too." Seras didn't even look at Iris as he said it. He always made remarks like that, always. It made Haki want to punch the man.

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Oh, no reason. I just hope she has something to contribute."

Haki didn't bother replying, but cringed as the man took a seat near by him and Iris. Another soldier entered, Haki recognised him, but he couldn't quite recall a name. He knew that the man was quiet though, he could even remember where he served through the day, but the name eluded him. The man took a seat at the other end of the table opting not to sit next to anyone for the time being, spaces were filling up, but there were still several empty seats, out of respect no one sat in the centre.

That was where Savard should be now.

» Fri May 27, 2011 2:07 pm

Karst squeaked when she was suddenly hugged, but hugged back and smiled. Lore's words were ones she related to very well and it broke her heart to think of the woman going through what she'd gone through herself. She smiled a little at Lore's wish to be there for Karst too.

"Well, there's always room for another honorary Zeterra. I.. never had any biologically, so you an' Iris can be my sisters." Karst said, letting go of Lore and hopping down. She sat there a moment, sniffling, then let the blanket fall from her body and went to grab a shirt out of the closet. It was the sort that Imperial Foresters used to wear and had a bloodstained gash in the chest. She wondered if the garment's previous owner had died in it for a second before pulling it over her head, feeling the reassuring fuzziness of its soft lining. I wonder if this is how I feel to other people? she thought, and it made her giggle a little despite herself. Sitting down, Karst pulled her boots off and started to put her greaves on.

"If you can take care of Arybeth and reporting the Shaman for me.." the former noblewoman's name made her throat catch a bit and Karst swallowed hard to clear the feeling, "I can go tell Savard the details of what happened. Or Gerald or Haki if I can't find him. I don't trust the guards to get the job done right.. Call it bias, but.." The Khajiit shrugged as she slipped her footwear back on and cinched up the belts on her greaves. Pulling the slightly damaged and bloody mithril over her head, she tightened the belt under her chest and the one around her middle, slipped her weapon belts through the leather loops around the cuirass's waist and pulled on her gauntlets. It all felt a bit damp, but she needed to wear her equipment more to get used to it again. She'd felt like she was running underwater with all the weight last time she'd fought in it.

"I might be pushing the limits of my mental health by doing this, but I'm not gonna sit here an' cry while you flit around and do work for me." Karst told the Altmer resolutely as she pulled her tail through the little hole she'd punched in the butt of her greaves for it years ago. Free again, the appendage flicked around like it had a mind of its own. Karst rolled her shoulders a bit to let the armor settle on her body, then grabbed her coat off the ground and slung it over her shoulders, her little hands popping out of the sleeves. With the exception of a little more of a mature and despaired look, she looked almost the same as she had in the Crisis almost twelve years ago. Her emerald eyes currently lacked the glitter of mischief they usually had, but that always happened when she got depressed. For a moment, Karst looked for her bow and arrows before recalling they were missing. She needed a new set, but she doubted she could replace the Ebony one she'd lost, as well as repairs to her weapons and armor and a new shortsword. The ice weapon Odeen made her would do in a pinch, but she liked something more solid on hand.

Once suited up, the little cat walked over to the table with a subtle melody of shifting mithril and leather and leather-on-wood bootfalls to pour herself some tea. Once it was full, she brought it to her lips and drained it, not waiting for it to cool. The heat flooded her body and stomach and made her sigh audibly in relief as her body warmed. Pouring herself a second cup and Lore one, Karst walked over to Lore and handed her the drink, then hugged the woman like one might hug an old friend.

"And thank you for making me see just how much I've really got. Sometimes I get locked in this despair and I just need someone to kick me out of it." Karst said gratefully into the elf's pointed ear. "I gotta be sure I get home alive so Veddy can have his mommy back. Until then, I need to make sure I can fight so I can stay alive. And being sad like this ain't gonna do nothin' for me there." Letting go, Karst gulped down half her cup and smiled a tad, wiping some tears from her cheeks and eyes, "Besides, Arybeth'd want us to fight on and avenge her."

Karst's voice was still notably upset, but there was resolve behind it as well now. Though she was still barely not breaking down at the moment, she didn't let just how disturbed she was show. She tried to think of being brave, staying strong, and mostly, staying alive. It was ironic, though, that so many years ago she'd wanted to die and never could, but now that she wanted to keep living, the odds were that she was going to get killed.

Sitting back down on the bed to finish her tea before heading out, Karst sniffedand looked into her tea. "Seems like every time I'm about to lose it, someone swoops in and saves me. At least for the moment." she said, sounding like she was talking to herself until she turned to gaze at Lorenna. "Thanks for being that someone."

ooc: Feel free to reply, Illusionary, but I'll edit in Zant, Odeen and Fedura later if you haven't. Off to shower.

As Karst had been startled by the hug, so too was Lore, not really knowing how to respond to one she hadn't initiated, but she hugged Karst back, feeling slightly happier than usual in knowing that she had helped someone. She only wished Burd were around. Then I'd have a family again... Lore thought. Only a pretend sister and a... a whatever Burd is to me, but it would be a family...

But there was one thing that hit Lore- and hit her quite late. Her golden skin paled and the look she gave Karst was pained. "Karst... Savard is dead. Hurak broke into Mountainholm. Many of us nearly died fighting them off. But they killed him."

And that reminder svcked all of the hope out of her. Remember Lore... she told herself. Happiness is only very temporary. And time is run out already.

--------------

Nola grew bored of sitting there. Or rather... fidgeting there. The half-breed was a very poor 'sitter'. Except for when there was a real purpose to it, she always fidgted. But... but she felt like fidgeting even more than usual just then. She felt like something very bad was happening, and didn't really know why. But when something bad happened, she liked to do something, not just sit around like a ninny. Run away, fight, scratch the hell out of someone... there's gotta be something... she thought. But unfortunately, she had no clue what was really going on.

Nola had many such 'feelings'- especially when she was around people. She'd always put it down to her Birthsign- the Tower let her detect people and items, so she assumed it also let her detect emotions. But all in all, it was a very weak theory, and Nola hated not knowing the truth. The khajiit rose to her feet. She would find out what was happening, and so what if the guards didn't want her to. It had never stopped her before.

She turned tail (literally) and headed for the fort.

» Fri May 27, 2011 8:13 am

ooc: Any of you ever have an idea for a character in the middle of the night and run to the computer to type it up before the inspiration leaves you? Even if it's 3AM and your mom is sleeping in the next room and will likely hear your keystrokes and come in to yell at you?

ic: Lore startled as Karst hugged her, evoking a small giggle from her. That laugh died on her lips, however, with the late-coming news that Lore gave her just then.

"Karst.. Savard is dead. Hurak broke into Mountainholm. Many of us nearly died fighting them off. But they killed him." the Altmer informed the Khajiit sadly. Karst's ears went back and she slumped a little on her perch at the edge of the bed, then killed off her tea like someone might down a shot of alcohol.

"[censored]." Karst said flatly. Though harsh and crude, the curse was undeniably one of the more versatile words that started with 'F.' And it certainly got the point across. She shook her head and slammed the cup down on the nightstand, then reiterated it a little more enthusiastically and stood up. Her right hand balled up in a fist that hovered an inch or so from her chest, as if she wanted something to punch but had no targets, and held there a moment before she sighed and the hand was shoved into her coat pocket. "Damn it! Damn it to hell. Augh!"

Snatching her pack up as she went towards the door, she muttered not-so-privately to herself. "God dammit. He wouldn't shut up, but at least he seemed a competent leader. Azura only knows what half-witted, inbred twit stepped up to fill the vacuum. I gotta make sure they don't [censored] up and kill us all. Stupid.." she kept muttering angrily, but reverted to Ta'agran in mid sentence, opening the door and getting a reptilian gasp in her face. She swore in Ta'agra and Odeen yelped like a puppy that'd been kicked. Karst just growled a little, though she gave Odeen a semi-apologetic look.

"Karst! A-Arybeth.. she.. she's dea--" Odeen was cut off mid-word.

"I know." Karst growled, her voice sounding rather vicious for a moment, "And so's the only human with any leadership experience around here. Which means some ill-fitted moron's likely got an army now if I know anything about humans.." Going back to swearing in her native tongue, Karst shook her head and slid past her Argonian comrade, plodding purposefully and angrily across the snow. Upon getting to Savard's headquarters. A guard intercepted her as she tried to go in.

"I'm sorry, but civilians aren't allowed in, especially when a meeting is--"

"Funny, I don't recall asking you your opinion, human." Karst snapped moodily, glaring daggers at the man. "I need to talk to whoever's in charge. It's urgent. Step aside."

Meanwhile, Odeen looked at Lorenna and then over his shoulder a moment as Karst vanished in the snow. "Uh.. hi. Is.. she okay?" he asked uncertainly, then added with a bit of guilt, "Oh, and I'm Odeen. Sorry."

ooc: I'll let Raven decide what to do with the kitty.

_______
Zant sat in an alleyway on the other side of town from all the excitement. And he'd been there for quite a while now. A small, tabby-colored cat stood on his lap, rubbing on him and purring. He itched it behind the ears with one hand and petted its back with the other, all the while staring at the sky. He could see the moon in the daylight and it made his fur stand on end and sent a chill down his spine. "Gonna be one of those nights, kitty cat." he said to the little feline, looking back down at it. It meowed hoarsely and rammed its head affectionately into the underside of his jaw. He laughed.

"You wouldn't like wolf-me." The cat meowed as if in disagreement. "No, really. I don't think you would. I might eat you."

The cat kept purring and bumping, though, and it lifted Zant's spirits. Lifting the feline gently, he put it over his shoulder and petted its head and back some more as he carted it off. It didn't complain. "Let's go say hi to my sis. She might like to play with you."
_______
I would. Fedura thought when asked if she thought Reissa needed a reason to help her. Acts of selflessness confused her. As they walked up the stairs, she shrugged groggily. "I'd guess up." she said sarcastically when asked which way was out. "Just a hunch."

When they came up into the light, though, Fedura looked at the scene and tried not to smile at the sight of the corpses. So, he made it. There's no body. That could be as good as it could be bad, though.. Her eyes fell on a Khajiit nearby, another female one, but just gave her a queer look before walking nonchalantly past her and the bodies of Arybeth and the unknown soldier towards the inns. "I can't wait to be inside. Warm, cozy and.." her stomach growled, "..hopefully eating."

» Fri May 27, 2011 12:32 pm

OOC: Finally got my heating problems with the computer fixed, and also managed to get Fallout 3 to stop crashing (there was a slight error with my 4870 card, fixed now), so I should be able to get back to a normal routine now. The last few posts have been awesome btw, by everyone, loving it.

IC: It wasn't often that Haki felt annoyance towards any one person, even when he was training new recruits he never got annoyed - angry, yes, but annoyance just wasn't an emotion that often crept into his mind. Now was an exception.

Seras Raviro, the very name irritated him.

Seras was, for all intents and purposes, a great soldier. Quick with the bow, strong with the sword and cool and precise in the most frenzied times, but his arrogance was something that Haki couldn't bear. The man thought he was better than anyone and everyone, and wasn't afraid to show it. One of the few Dunmer in Mountainholm, he didn't have the imposing stature many of the Nord or Redguard soldiers had, but the two blades at his side and the dark bow at his back gave a constant reminder of just how dangerous he truly was. He looked about thirty, though Haki guessed he was actually older, he never wanted to talk long enough to the man to ask to be honest. But now, they had to talk, he hated these moments.

"Seras." Haki acknowledged him with a nod of the head, Seras returned it.

"I see you're gathering together every soldier you can find." His voice was as smooth and silky as his style in combat, so full of confidence, so smarmy.

"All those who have at least some command in the castle, yes."

"Good. And you've brought along her too." Seras didn't even look at Iris as he said it. He always made remarks like that, always. It made Haki want to punch the man.

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Oh, no reason. I just hope she has something to contribute."

Haki didn't bother replying, but cringed as the man took a seat near by him and Iris. Another soldier entered, Haki recognised him, but he couldn't quite recall a name. He knew that the man was quiet though, he could even remember where he served through the day, but the name eluded him. The man took a seat at the other end of the table opting not to sit next to anyone for the time being, spaces were filling up, but there were still several empty seats, out of respect no one sat in the centre.

That was where Savard should be now.

You bet I have something to contribute. A kick to your snobbish, egotistical face. Iris thought to herself, replying mentally to the Dunmer soldier's comment. She'd only briefly glanced at him; an elf in his late 60s, likely, or 50s, judging by his 30s appearance. Not far off from her own age, and good looking as well. But the way he held that comeliness turned Iris off. His words, his tone, his movements, all spoke of an arrogance and egotism that made her stomach lurch. It was that sort of attitude she had grown to despise and prey upon in her youth, when she was an orphan on the streets of Balmora stealing to survive.

Sadly, though, she wasn't even sure she had something to contribute. But instead of paying the man attention as he sat in the chair next to her, she brushed her hair in front of her face. A curtain of raven locks fell to block Seras' view of her face as she sat there with arms folded.

Iris wasn't the only one set off by Seras, though. The Nord and Imperials from earlier also regarded the Dunmer with uncertainty and displeasure. Jalin, however, simply looked at the man, and that was all. A glance of a warrior anolyzing a warrior.

» Fri May 27, 2011 4:56 am

"Food would be nice." The mention of food reminded her stomach to implode with hunger, skewing her concentration. Nothing ever seemed to go quite right when she was this hungry, but while she suppressed it--quite necessary to keep her from getting sick with all the corpses strewn about--she would probably perform about average. "Now you made me hungry. Less talk, more move."

As they came to a corner, Reissa stopped to peer around the corner before moving on. Regardless of the previous battle, this was still technically enemy territory, as far as she was concerned.

» Fri May 27, 2011 1:10 pm

ooc: Any of you ever have an idea for a character in the middle of the night and run to the computer to type it up before the inspiration leaves you? Even if it's 3AM and your mom is sleeping in the next room and will likely hear your keystrokes and come in to yell at you?

ic: Lore startled as Karst hugged her, evoking a small giggle from her. That laugh died on her lips, however, with the late-coming news that Lore gave her just then.

"Karst.. Savard is dead. Hurak broke into Mountainholm. Many of us nearly died fighting them off. But they killed him." the Altmer informed the Khajiit sadly. Karst's ears went back and she slumped a little on her perch at the edge of the bed, then killed off her tea like someone might down a shot of alcohol.

"[censored]." Karst said flatly. Though harsh and crude, the curse was undeniably one of the more versatile words that started with 'F.' And it certainly got the point across. She shook her head and slammed the cup down on the nightstand, then reiterated it a little more enthusiastically and stood up. Her right hand balled up in a fist that hovered an inch or so from her chest, as if she wanted something to punch but had no targets, and held there a moment before she sighed and the hand was shoved into her coat pocket. "Damn it! Damn it to hell. Augh!"

Snatching her pack up as she went towards the door, she muttered not-so-privately to herself. "God dammit. He wouldn't shut up, but at least he seemed a competent leader. Azura only knows what half-witted, inbred twit stepped up to fill the vacuum. I gotta make sure they don't [censored] up and kill us all. Stupid.." she kept muttering angrily, but reverted to Ta'agran in mid sentence, opening the door and getting a reptilian gasp in her face. She swore in Ta'agra and Odeen yelped like a puppy that'd been kicked. Karst just growled a little, though she gave Odeen a semi-apologetic look.

"Karst! A-Arybeth.. she.. she's dea--" Odeen was cut off mid-word.

"I know." Karst growled, her voice sounding rather vicious for a moment, "And so's the only human with any leadership experience around here. Which means some ill-fitted moron's likely got an army now if I know anything about humans.." Going back to swearing in her native tongue, Karst shook her head and slid past her Argonian comrade, plodding purposefully and angrily across the snow. Upon getting to Savard's headquarters. A guard intercepted her as she tried to go in.

"I'm sorry, but civilians aren't allowed in, especially when a meeting is--"

"Funny, I don't recall asking you your opinion, human." Karst snapped moodily, glaring daggers at the man. "I need to talk to whoever's in charge. It's urgent. Step aside."

Meanwhile, Odeen looked at Lorenna and then over his shoulder a moment as Karst vanished in the snow. "Uh.. hi. Is.. she okay?" he asked uncertainly, then added with a bit of guilt, "Oh, and I'm Odeen. Sorry."

ooc: I'll let Raven decide what to do with the kitty.

"Let her in; human." The tone of the voice imitated Karst's perfectly, as did the sound of it, undoubtedly Khajit, but a male. Amidst the snow, you would barely be able to see him were he not wearing steel that made him look even more imposing than he already was, his fur a gorgeous white, with small, barely noticeable black strips on his cheeks. He looked like someone who you simply did not want to annoy at the very least.

"But sir, there could be important information being shared in there." The guard protested, albeit with less vigour than he would have done to Karst. This Khajit was well known as a damn god with a sword, few could best him in close combat. His temper, too, was well known for being rather short.

"Let her in; imbecile, or I swear to the gods I'll go right through you." The snarl in his voice was evident now, and the guard gulped. Do'Shar didn't even believe in the gods, but it seemed somehow fitting to use them in this situation. The guard could tell by the tone of his voice that the Khajit was not lying, and so promptly let them pass. The Khajit walked inside the keep, ushering in Karst with him.

"Come." He said to her, not at all amused by the events. "My name's Do'Shar, you can tell the commanders what has happened." He headed straight towards the doors that led to the meeting room directly ahead, expecting her to follow.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Only three more people entered, one being a woman who Haki didn't even recognise. Neither her or one of the men seemed very important, he guessed it was more the soldier's telling whatever person who lead them to come to this meeting, he doubted that they would have anything to say really though. The other man, he knew. It was Gerald Orius, he recognised him, former commander in the legion, it seemed only fitting that when he applied he was accepted into the Mountainholm military. Gerald took a seat near Iris.

It was awkwardly quiet in the room, so Haki decided that he should start the proceedings.

"Right, I'm going to cut straight to the point here." He told them in a loud and clear voice that echoed off the rooms walls. "If you don't already know why this seat is vacant, Savard is-"

The doors opened, and Do'Shar stood there, another Khajit, smaller by a few inches, stood near him. Haki vaguely recognised her, though he wasn't quite sure where from, probably just seen her around.

"Do'Shar." Haki said loudly, "I see you decided to join us." There was the smallest hint of a smile on his face as he said that, him and Do'Shar had a bit of a history, a slightly competitive -albeit in a good way- history. "And who is this you've brought with you?"

» Fri May 27, 2011 9:09 am

ooc: Where everyone go? Aulakauss lonely.

ic: When Do'Shar spoke, she turned and the first thing that came out of the little cat's mouth was, "Zant?" Karst shook her head at seeing him closer, but the resemblance was pretty uncanny. It wasn't often one saw Khajiit with the markings her family had. Long lost relative? I'll have to get his story later. For now..

For now, Karst just stuck her tongue out at the guard as she passed in step behind Do'Shar, and trotted up beside him as they walked in, her various belts, leathers and chainlinks clinking and creaking softly as she moved. She didn't look at him so much as glance prolongedly in his general direction, but she somehow thought he'd notice the appreciative smile and tone. "Thanks, darlin'." It was a soft, almost mirthless comment, but it was all she had the enthusiasm for at the moment. "I'm Karst, by the by."

Her attention turned away from him beyond just following him and she picked her teeth with an icy toothpick; hardly the intended purpose of the little ice weapon, but a practical use nonetheless. Briefly, she wondered if he'd comment on her accent of sorts like most Khajiit did -to hear her speak, you'd hardly know she wasn't an elf- but that thought was cut off when they went into the conference room. The pick was gone from her fingers before anyone could see it. People asked her too many questions anyway and displaying an uncommon form of enchanted weapon to soldiers hardly seemed wise.

"Do'Shar." Haki said loudly as they came in, "I see you decided to join us." Karst wasn't sure if there was an actual pause or not, but she felt eyes on her and Haki added, "And who is this you've brought with you?"

Karst stepped forward and gave her own unique form of a bow, a fist placed briefly against her collarbone and a small nod, and introduced herself. "Karstine Zeterra." after a minute pause she added hastily "..sir."

I've never been a part of an official military force before. Or even talked to one further than [censored]ing at them. How do these guys go about reporting something, anyway? she worried for a moment, then sighed inaudibly, Sod it, I'll just wing it.

"I.. have saddening and disturbing news, Haki." Karst's tone sounded oddly official. Upon seeing Iris, Karst met her eyes for a split second and flashed a tiny, strained smile before going on. "Somehow, the Shaman got free. He.." The Khajiit had to swallow a hard lump in her throat before regaining the ability to talk. Anyone that knew her would be able to her a slight choke in her voice. "He killed Arybeth and a soldier, then vanished via magicka, taking Juliek with him. Lorenna.. saved my life after said soldier's body was used to crush me." The addition about Lore was meaningless report-wise, but Karst thought she deserved a mention. "I just.. thought you ought to know. We should arrange some kind of burial for Arybeth and the soldier." Again, she forced a hasty formality afterward, "Thank you, sir."

Stepping back a bit, she let the ruse fall and her shoulders slump. Her body fell with a thud against the wall behind her and her arms crossed, ears back. She sniffed and tried not to weep anymore. Be strong, dammit. Is that what you've become, Karst? A sniffling wreck that can't take a single death? She criticized herself with a sigh, then tilted her head down. For eight years I thought I had it made, finally. I never learn, do I?

» Fri May 27, 2011 3:02 pm

Both Jalin and Iris looked over when Do'Shar and Karst entered, but then again so did the two Imperial Commanders and the Nord. The three Mountainholm soldiers looked Karst over, wondering why she -whoever she was- was allowed into this meeting.

When Karst gave her report, the reactions were mixed. None of the three knew who Arybeth was, but the death of a soldier, and loss of Juliek, registered. Two soldiers and a prisoner, gone... Hjorn Bear-Fist hung his head in shame, as it was likely one of his guards who was killed, and his men's failure that likely caused the escape. Samisul and Dimitri simply set their hands on their lap, thinking on the news.

Iris and Jalin, however, did not sit by and merely think on it. Iris initially gasped at the news, mouth concealed behind her hands, but she was instantly to Karst's side when the Khajiit slumped on the wall. She leaned with her friend, resting her body on Karst's and holding her close, stunned by the news of the death, but unable to bring out tears. She'd used them all on Savard.

Iris, Hjorn, Samisul, and Dimitri all jolted in place, however, when wood clattered upon the stone floor, accompanied by the chinking of shifting metal. Jalin was standing before his fallen chair, hands resting on the table surface and a snarl on his lips. The Shaman... killed Arybeth.... Jalin's teeth ground together as he held back a roar of rage, and the urge to find that Shaman and slowly kill him without honor. He's gone... She's dead...

His hands balled into fists on the table, and he pushed against it in an attempt to leak out his inner anger at the news. The resulting groan from the wood was audible. "Karst... How did she die? Tell me... how she died." The Ansei spoke through his teeth, but his angered voice came clear.

» Fri May 27, 2011 10:48 am

Karst fell into Iris's embrace as soon as she came over and plastered her ears to her head. "I'm sorry, Iris.." she whispered, then coughed after literally choking on a sob. Whereas Iris had no tears left, Karst simply refused to shed any more. Although she almost never judged anyone for crying, she somehow didn't see it as okay for herself. When she did it, it was a sign of internal weakness. It made no sense, but that was just the truth of it. "I tried.. but I.."

Suddenly, she was cut off by a loud clattering and looked up over Iris's shoulder to see Jalin getting up. As the sound of straining wood echoed in the room, Jalin's eyes met hers and made her want to instantly be anywhere else but staring at the angered Redguard. Oh, god.. he's gonna kill me.. "Karst... How did she die? Tell me... how she died."

Karst gulped. Hard. "Ah.. I.. I.." her claws dug a little into the material of the clothes on Iris's back, as if she thought that would protect her from the pain that was surely going to be inflicted for letting Jalin's apprentice die. She took a ragged breath and started talking. "I tried.. I really did! But.. he.. the Shaman.. he thew an armored soldier on me! I.. I broke at least a couple ribs and.. I know it wouldn't have affected you.. you could've saved her, but.." her speech was fast and panicked, as if she couldn't get words out of her mouth fast enough, "But.. I'm a failure.. unlike you. I.. I'm sorry.."

Hanging her head in shame and sorrow, she manged another little fearful addition before squeezing Iris tightly in an attempt to comfort herself. "Please don't hurt me.."

» Fri May 27, 2011 8:17 am

Iris winced as she felt Karst's claws begin to dig into her doeskin blouse, but she held her ground. Her friend -her sister- needed her now. She returned each squeeze with a tight one of her own; She needed Karst just as much. Arybeth... so young... such potential... lost to the Hurak.

Jalin didn't seem to share Iris's sentiments, or Karst's mindset, as he didn't even let her get out the "please don't hurt me" before his fist was raised and slammed against the table. The combined force of the angered warrior's muscle and the sheer weight of ebony gauntlet made the wood crack. Adrenaline was pulsing through him like blood, boiling within his anger at the situation. Dimitri, who sat next to Jalin, looked ready to piss himself; Hjorn swore he saw a vein popping in the Redguard's forehead.

"She died, Karst, it can't be helped. If the Gods of War deemed it her turn to taste the blade, even I would have been useless. I want to know; did Arybeth die fighting? Or was she slain like some peasant?!"

"What difference does it make how she died?!" Iris snapped, turning her head to look at the Redguard but not letting go of Karst. "She died! Nothing can make it better or worse."

Jalin turned his brown eyes towards Iris as she rebutted him, glaring almost as if she were one of his opponents. When he spoke, his voice seemed forced into calm control. "It makes all the difference in the world."

» Fri May 27, 2011 1:51 pm

By this point, Karst was uncharacteristically frightened. Jalin was scarier than any Hurak in the world. Somehow, though, she managed to find a little pocket of courage and, it just so happened, it shared space with a pocket of rage as well. Stepping away from Iris, her eyes narrowed and, although she shook and tears still flowed, she managed to somehow be mad at the Redguard. A flick of the wrist sent a bolt of lightning over Jalin's head, illuminating the room in blue for a moment.

"SHUT UP!" Karst's scream was frenzied, a little spit coming from her mouth as she did it. Walking to Jalin, she poked a claw into his collarbone, not quite enough to draw blood, but enough to hurt. "You wanna know how she died, you blowbag?! She died because she was proud. She died because you made her think that if she ran away she'd be a coward. YOU'RE the one that killed her! With your Ansei bullshit and your bravado, you cocksvcking bigot! She was a girl! A young, posh girl and you expected her to learn to fight like you? What are you, retarded?! I hope you're [censored]in' proud of yourself, you sorry excuse for a human being. Gods of War my furry ass." Karst stepped back and looked around at them, rage entirely unleashed now. Running a pointing finger over each of the room's inhabitants, save for Iris and Do'Shar who stood behind her, she continued yelling without pause.

"Your Gods are a damn lie! All of ya! If there was some 'divine' entity watching over us, you think they'd have let this happen? Huh?! Or have they just gotten tired of your groveling and stupidity and decided to dispose of you? You preach Mara's love and Stendarr's mercy, but you military types don't give a damn about any of us! I risked my life, nearly died at least four times to help stop the Daedra, and how do y'all repay me? You rip me away from the only family I have and send me to die. Yeah, I see you here, Gerald, you Legion piece of dirt. The only real 'gods' were the Tribunal, and guess what? They're dead! You know what killed 'em? Pride. How are any of you any different, playing with lives like little toys, taking credit for what your soldiers did for you, strutting around like you own the freakin' place? Your power is built from our blood and sweat. Almalexia had her Hands to toy with and you've got your soldiers and armed civilians like me that you shove around like we don't have souls. We're not your pawns so [censored] off! I'm sick of serving you stuck up human filth and getting screwed in the ass for it! If the Gods are real, maybe we deserve this. If this is what civilization really is -a bunch of elites taking advantage of people- maybe we all do need to die."

Taking a deep breath, Karst just stared at all of them, as if challenging one of them to stand up to her. Her eyes looked like that of a mad beast and her hand rested on her sword. In this state, she might even try to kill one that stood up to her.
_______
Fedura came into her inn and plodded wearily up the stairs, Reissa assumedly behind her. When she got to her room, she lay down on the bed and sighed.

"Ohhhh.. Everything hurts." she whined, "My stomach, my head, my back, my ass.. Ow.." Looking up at Reissa, she sighed. "Would you mind getting me something to eat, Reissa? I'm starving." And I don't wanna move.

» Fri May 27, 2011 11:45 am

Jalin was about as unphased as a stoned bum being hollered at, and didn't even flinch when the lightning went over his head. In fact, the very use of Devil magic against him infuriated the Ansei, and when she withdrew her claw from his collar bone and took a step back, the table finally gave way under his weight, and cracked in half. As she continued her rant about Gods and elitism, Jalin strode over the table like it was a mere boulder in the way, walked right up to her, and moved his right arm.

That single motion, and a lock of Karst's hair fell from her forehead, gliding to the floor between her and the Ansei in slow motion. His right arm was now out at his side, a broadsword extended from his grasping hand. That sword slowly twisted to slip just under Karst's chin.

"The Gods of War did not grant me the gifts I bare; I earned them. And every battle I continue to earn them, again and again, as if I never had them. I may be a general now, but I assure you, I am not the type of man you speak of. Those you speak of leech their honor, their pride, their legacy, off the blood of others." The broadsword twisted, the tip moving away from Karst's throat and rolling off her chin without leaving a single mark, to hover in front of her face.

"Your legacy comes from your own blood, your own sweat, your own tears and turmoils, Karstine. That is a legacy of a true warrior; that is the legacy of an Ansei. The people you speak of are the very same you claim Arybeth was; noble, prideful, stuck up, and cowardly, relying on the work of others to make their name. Arybeth was not one of them. Arybeth made a name for herself by being one of the few nobles to get up off their pompous asses and do something."

The broad sword turned so it was vertical between the two, and then Jalin slowly revolved and sheathed the blade. "Next time you want to jab my collar and tell me off, do your research first. If you weren't a mother, and a comrade, I would have slain you where you stood for su-"

"That's enough, Redguard." Hjorn objected, the large Nord rising to his feet. "While I'm sure your pride is of the utmost importance, the fact remains our captive has escaped and killed once-able-bodied soldiers. AS WELL AS Savard. I'm sure Savard does not want us bickering like this."

As the Nord was speaking, Jalin had turned towards him. In that time, Iris had sneaked up to Karst and wrapped her arms around the small Khajiit, intent on holding her back if she decided to snap at Jalin, and also to put herself between the Ansei and the feisty cat.

» Fri May 27, 2011 7:09 am

When the blade went to her throat, Karst met his eyes and just kept staring at him, daring him to kill her. The cutting of the hair was disregarded as an arrogant show of skill and didn't phase her a bit. I can do that too, dikewad. Do I get a [censored] medal now? The blade lowered once he'd said his piece -in infuriating calmness- and then he told her off.

"Next time you want to jab my collar and tell me off, do your research first. If you weren't a mother, and a comrade, I would have slain you where you stood for su-"

A Nord cut him off and Karst's opinion of the soldier went up a notch. At least someone could shut Jalin's hole. upon thinking on what Jalin had said, though, she narrowed her eyes again.

"What the hell is with you and this 'legacy' and 'gifts' and 'honor' crap? You don't know how I feel, so stop patronizing me. I don't have a damn 'legacy' and I'm nothing like you, so just can it. And furthermor- urk."

As she tried to step forward, something squeezed her about the gut and, looking down, she saw two ash-colored hands resting on her middle. "Uh.." Turning, Karst hugged Iris. "See, Jalin, this is what true talent looks like. She can fight, she's smart and she's pleasant to be around. You.. all you're good for is cutting things up and showing off."

With a small smile, she pecked Iris on the lips and slipped past her. "You do what you gotta do, babe. I'm gettin' outta here before I melt Jalin's self-righteous head off just to shut 'im up." On her way out, she yanked Do'Shar's tail a little, then slipped out into the cold, shaking her head. "One of these days I'm gonna murder that man in his sleep.."

» Fri May 27, 2011 10:23 am

OOC: Karst is awesome... NOTHING phases her.

IC: Jalin turned his head back to Karst as she spat at him about his deal with legacy and honor and pride. He was about to answer when she took a step forward, only to find Iris stopping her. Jalin pulled his lips tight as she insulted him further and stomped from the room.

But she was right, and Jalin knew it. He was about as sociable as he was pale-skinned. Arybeth seemed to be the only one who could stand being in the same room as him for more than a minute long, and even she had seemed irked by his mannerism often. It was something Jalin was consciously aware of, but he could not change. It came from his very upbringing, his culture, his life. One can not easily change the habits taught by such lessons.

Both of his ebony fists clenched as Karst left. She's dead... Iris clenched her fists as well, glaring at Jalin's back as the Redguard turned to look at the gathering of men.

"The Nord is correct." Jalin said softly, before his voice rose louder. "If I am to be a general alongside you, I should place Mountainholm above myself. In light of recent events, here is what I suggest. Select your successor to Savard. They should be whoever you feel is able-bodied and capable enough to carry out Savard's final plans against the Hurak, and can be a point of strength and hope to the people. But especially the later over the former. A soldier without hope will not fight, and will have lost."

Jalin's fists tightened further. "Then, guard patrols of two to four, depending on how many we can spare, should perform sweeps of Mountainholm's barricades and walls, looking for breeches, entrances, any way the Hurak assassins could have entered. Upon discovery those entrances should be immediately, thoroughly sealed. Then, and only then, should Savard's death and his successor be announced to the public."

Jalin looked about ready to sigh; maybe even on the brink of tears. But he held his face stony and looked right at Haki when he spoke next. "I'm afraid I must excuse myself from the remainder of this meeting; I have given my opinion, which is what I was here for. I must attend to my fallen Apprentice." The last words came out strained, and he stiffly bowed before turning on his heel and leaving as well. Iris side-stepped to let his hulk of armor through, before looking back to Haki worriedly.

This meeting had went from okay, to decaying, all with a single announcement.

"The Khajiit was right; that man's got some issues." Dimitri remarked absently.

» Fri May 27, 2011 6:38 pm

OOC: I can has another character for spice? Yay!

Name: Kituo
Race: Khajiit
Age: 36
Gender: Male
Birthsign: the Warrior

Height: 6`4``
Weight: ~170 lbs.
Eyes: Green
Hair: Usually shaven off
Gen. Appearance: Bulky and muscular. Has mostly yellow-gold fur, darker on his back and cream on his front. Numerous scars exist on his body from the removal of corprus growths, including a particularly noticeable one on the left side of his muzzle. Even though he is roughly middle-aged for a Khajiit, he still appears fairly young due to the effects of corprus.

Skills:
-Major: Long Blade, Spear, Athletics, Heavy Armor, Alteration
-Minor: Short Blade, Block, Armorer, Conjuration, Acrobatics
Magic: Spells for summoning weapons and some armor (including shields), elemental shields, physical shields, brief levitation and jump, slowfall, water walking and breathing

Weapon(s): Akaviri katana, steel spear
Clothing/Armor: Usually wears Legion Templar armor, kept in good shape and modified for better protection, but occasionally sheds it and wears a tight, sleeveless tunic with loose, gray pants of a soft and thin fabric. He often also wears these pants over the armor, concealing the greaves in all but bright lighting.
Items: Small vials of healing balms and some money

Personality: While lucid, Kituo is generally very calm and quiet. He is friendly when engaged in conversation and able to concentrate. However, due to the effects of corprus on his mind, he has periodic bursts of anger, in which he will act violently, but he usually quickly snaps out of them and has no memory of their occurrence. He drinks often, as it tends to increase the gaps between his outbursts. To superiors, he is obedient and well-mannered. On the battlefield, he is a decent strategist and often takes command of others when there is no formal hierarchy.

History: Born in Morrowind, Kituo was looked down upon as a child for not being Dunmer. He ran away from home at a young age and began helping merchants traveling through the Ashlands, most usually with fending off cliff racers and other beasts common to the land. As the Nerevarine situation heated up, however, he encountered a corprus beast and was infected, thus ending his adventures with others.

For a time, he wandered the land, looking for someone who would help him cure the incurable. To keep his appearance at least mildly acceptable, he cut off the abnormal growths of flesh caused by his disease. Good news was extremely rare, but he finally heard rumors of a possible cure from the Telvanni wizard, Divayth Fyr. He traveled east towards the lands of the Telvanni, hoping to meet this wizard.

Upon his arrival at Tel Fyr, Kituo had nearly been driven mad by the disease. Although removing diseased flesh helped slow the spread somewhat, it had begun to take hold of his mind, periodically throwing him into a maddened state that continued to last longer and longer. The Corprusarium was not the place for him--he was simply too violent when angered to live peacefully with others who shared his ailment.

In order to prevent him from injuring others, Divayth Fyr agreed to test his potion on Kituo. By this time, it had only been successful once out of several tries, but to him, the odds were suitable. He would rather die than be afflicted for the rest of his life, unnecessarily prolonged by the disfiguring disease.

Drinking the potion had no immediate effect, but soon, he grew extremely ill. Most meals refused to stay in his stomach, and with each purging came small chunks of corprusmeat. He wished to die, but had not the will to take his own life. For nearly a month, he lived in sickness, but finally, he started recovering.

Despite the new side effects, Divayth Fyr was pleased with the result. Kituo was cured of corprus, and now appeared very much alive. At the time, the lasting effects of this sickness, save the scars from the chunks of flesh periodically removed, were not visible. He left Tel Fyr healthy and happy, hoping to get back to work.

Shortly after leaving Tel Fyr, Kituo signed up with the Imperial Legion. Although he was naturally stronger than most Khajiit, as a cathay, he had gained even more strength as a result of having corprus, making him a superior warrior. He ascended the ranks fairly quickly, until the signs of corprus began reemerging. He was suddenly seized by random impulses to lash out at others, with or without reason, and claimed never to remember them.

He disappeared from the Legion, but the Imperials, unsatisfied with losing such a strong warrior, signed him into the Blades, instead. The Blades were a much more freeform group, coming to understand his past and working around his shortcomings. He did not achieve the same public glory that he once had, but he was serving his community in another way.

The Oblivion Crisis saw a large demand for protection. This increased demand had Kituo working constantly protecting areas from daedric attacks. Morrowind was badly ravaged despite his best efforts to protect it. In the short era of peace that followed, he attempted to help rebuild, whether it was by defending travelers from the rising outlaw factions or loaning his strength to more constructive efforts.

At the time of the Hurak invasion, Kituo realized just how peaceful things had been immediately preceding it, as he was suddenly picked out of Morrowind and thrown into battle in Cyrodiil. Even as a member of the Legion, he was unfamiliar with the Imperial Province. He did the best he could to fight the enemies, but his strength alone was nothing compared to the vast enemy hoards. After a long battle, he retreated into obscurity, and many presumed that he had died in combat.

For a few years, he waited in the shadows for something to happen. He had more than enough time to consider his next move, as Divayth Fyr's potion had not simply cured the corprus. The beneficial effects remained, virtually halting his aging. Over time, he heard whispers of Mountainholm and the potential to set things back to the way they were, and thus traveled to verify it himself. He had nothing else to lose, except possibly an eternity of pain.

When he had first spotted the mountain community in the distance, he had been somewhat relieved, and a little bit wary. There was the apparent feeling that the Cyrodilic people were still around, but the state was probably deplorable. Nonetheless, it was his duty to see what he could do about the situation and, with the help of his minor mastery of Alteration, he had made his way up the freezing slopes to the village.

Now that he stood at the gates, the bulky Khajiit male saw that the organization was a little better-off that he had presumed, but still perhaps not by much. His almost numb nostrils could barely detect the traces of blood in the air, but it worried him. Something had occurred, and he was ready to find out what it was. If they, for some reason, refused his entrance, he would get in anyway. He had only to prepare some helpful magicka, though this would not last him long.

With a roar, he hailed the men working the gate. Perhaps it sounded like some sort of mountain lion, but his voice surely was much too rough from disuse that anybody with a very keen ear could have easily told the difference. He doubted that they did, but it would get their attention, at least.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"No," said Reissa, helping her onto the bed, "give me just a minute. I need to see those wounds, so I can do something about them." She loosened the belts tying her robe around her waist and under her chest, taking them off and setting the sword aside while keeping the pack handy. "If you eat a lot before healing magic, it could make you feel really sick. Healing magic sometimes messes with the stomach and it really is better to leave that until after. Get the spots that hurt visible."

» Fri May 27, 2011 9:29 am

A guard atop the gate, alerted by the shout, stood from his chair and peered over the massive wall to look down on a single solitary Khajit, he couldn't tell much more from that distance, only that he looked pretty big.

"What is it?" Said another man stood behind him.

"Looks like a solitary survivor, open the gates." He didn't really care all that much about actually questioning the man, he looked like a soldier from the armour, and they needed every last fighting man they could get. They always did. It took a few moments, but eventually, the huge gates began first to creek, then to eventually slowly open until they were almost completely apart from each other, giving the Khajit a full clear view of the hustling town outside the main keep of the fortress.

"Come in!" The guard shouted down to him, "A man will talk to you when you do."

Sure enough, a solitary man stood just beyond the gates, awaiting the Khajit. It was Burd, who had only just recovered from his wounds fighting the Hurak in Savard's chambers.

~ - - - - - - - - - - - ~

Do'Shar pretty much ignored Karst as she left, the tug on the tail being peculiar more than anything, especially for a woman that seemed so eager to fight. When Jalin walked towards him, he simply moved out of the way and allowed him to leave, before taking his place where Jalin was sat moments ago. The whole situation seemed mundane to him.

Seras's eyebrows lifted as the Khajit woman kissed Iris on the lips, and a smile spread over his lips that was completely unsuitable for the situation.

"I could have guessed Savard's wench would swing both ways." He said out loud, cruelly and unpleasantly. "Those sort of scum usually do."

At the back of his mind, he knew, out of respect both for Jalin's dead apprentice and Savard's death, that what he had said was completely wrong. Like ever though, that part of his mind was completely overpowered by his other more cruel urges. He knew that this part of himself would eventually get him killed, but he savoured conflict in it's many forms, and he knew that what he had just said would bring something out of Iris.

» Fri May 27, 2011 2:48 am

Do'Shar pretty much ignored Karst as she left, the tug on the tail being peculiar more than anything, especially for a woman that seemed so eager to fight. When Jalin walked towards him, he simply moved out of the way and allowed him to leave, before taking his place where Jalin was sat moments ago. The whole situation seemed mundane to him.

Seras's eyebrows lifted as the Khajit woman kissed Iris on the lips, and a smile spread over his lips that was completely unsuitable for the situation.

"I could have guessed Savard's wench would swing both ways." He said out loud, cruelly and unpleasantly. "Those sort of scum usually do."

At the back of his mind, he knew, out of respect both for Jalin's dead apprentice and Savard's death, that what he had said was completely wrong. Like ever though, that part of his mind was completely overpowered by his other more cruel urges. He knew that this part of himself would eventually get him killed, but he savoured conflict in it's many forms, and he knew that what he had just said would bring something out of Iris.

"Yes, he does have some issues." Iris replied with controlled grace in her voice as she moved to the center of the table area, looking at all the men around her. She kept her voice steady, her lips firm and her eyes cold despite Seras' words. They rang in her ears like temple bells, loud and echoing. She wanted to walk right over to him and slap him good and hard, with ice on her fist as she did so. She wanted to punch him cold, send him to the floor in a humiliating paralysis. To even suggest she may be one of those scumbags who deviated in such ways, or suggest her being Savard's wench in such ways, bit deeper than the times she'd heard it from other soldiers. At least they had the decency to try and whisper their comments.

But instead, she stood firm and resolute, hands at her sides, palms opened and relaxed, and eyes set with duty and determination. Her mouth twisted into an annoyed grimace, however; whether it was from Seras, or the fact one of the Imperial captains just rose with a snarl, was hard to determine. Samisul put his gauntleted hands on the table as he growled. "Seras, at least show some respect to her, considering Savard just died!"

Iris calmly rose one of her hands towards Samisul, turning her head and the annoyed grimace to face the Imperial. "I'm a big girl, and can take care of myself. I don't care about egotistical ass holes, so I don't care about his opinion of me. He's not worth caring about anyways." Her words were silken as she spoke, hiding her inner rage at being compared to scum women; the kind that killed her father decades ago.

"What we should be caring about is the new developments we've had. The shaman is gone, we've discovered the Hurak to be as stealthy as they are relentless, and we've lost two able soldiers. Not to mention Savard." Iris lowered her hand and Samisul sat dutifully. Iris crossed her arms. "So, in light of this, perhaps you should control your testosterone and butt heads together to decide on a new, competent leader. And I sort of agree with what the big warrior had said; he's basic plan is overall sound. So, who's first to nominate?" She looked inquiringly at each of the men in turn, one raven eyebrow raised.
------------------------------
Jalin ignored the cold of the outside world as he entered it, his eyes scrunched in concentration and mouth a taunt line. He could feel it, smell it. Blood had been spilled in the vicinity. It was likely Arybeth's blood. The chill of this notion crawled on his spine, along with the faint wakes of the sword tremors that had been caused by the fight. Faint; but he could feel them. Like soft whispering hymns in his ears. And they drew him like a moth to flame, his boots crunching the snow as he moved towards the scene of his apprentice's death.

» Fri May 27, 2011 5:26 am

Karst didn't hear the comment her little peck had gotten, else she'd have marched right over there and stuck a boot in his crotch. Instead, she plodded back to Juliek and Arybeth's former abode, scrounged for a bottle of liquor and sat down once she'd found some kind of expensive wine, the best thing she could find in the house. Apparently, Juliek hadn't been much for hard liquor.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door and Karst numbly went to answer it, not even wondering who it could be. She was a little surprised to see Zant, a tabby cat in his arms and frost in his fur and hair. "Can I come in?" he asked after she'd just stared at him for a few seconds.

"Sure." It was an almost robotic reply, and the little Khajiit flopped back down on the bed after she said it. Zant shut the door and put the cat down on the bed. It came up to Karst and nuzzled her, bumping its cold, wet nose against her cheek. She absently reached over to pet it.

"I heard what happened. I.. I'm sorry. I thought you hated Arybeth and her brother though." Zant wasn't quite sure what to say in this situation, but he knew he had to be delicate. Karst was very unstable when upset and he knew that very well.

Karst didn't turn to him, rather facing the cat and twiddling with its ears, rubbing its chilly fur and hearing it purr. "I thought she was an unpleasant, abrasive bitch, but.. I didn't hate her. I think we could have been friends. Like Roger and I were enemies until just before the end. I just.. I wish I could have saved her.."

Zan'Tarre laid down next to her and put his arms around her. "It's okay, sis. I'm sure you did all you could. I.. I heard you got injured pretty bad trying to help, actually. Are.. you okay?"

"I think you know the answer to that already, but I know what you mean and, yes, I'm fine. Lorenna healed me." Karst replied flatly, then grabbed the cat and rolled over, ignoring its meowing complaints of injustice and abuse as she cuddled it now, facing Zant. "There's nothing you can do to cheer me up, Zant. I appreciate it but.." As she paused, Zant sighed, frustrated that she was probably right. He wanted more than anything to just make her happy, but that seemed to get harder to do every passing day. "I just don't think I can physically smile right now. Too much is wrong."

"Are you still ticklish?"

Karst looked up. "What? I.. in places, yes.. What does that.. Aaie!" The tabby skittered off to perch on a nearby chair when Karst yelped and watched as Zant tickled her. "Get your hands out from under my armor! They're cold! Eeek! Hee hee.."

"I'll make you smile, dammit." Zant said, laughing as Karst squirmed. He let up after a bit and just held her by her sides. "Feel any better?"

Karst wiped a tear from her eye and sighed, giggling. "A little. That's not fair though.." she managed through the laughter and hiccuping, snuggling into her brother.

"Well, I had to get you to smile somehow, and that seemed a good way to break the melancholy."

Karst hugged him and the tabby, now seeing that she was done thrashing and screeching, hopped up and squeezed between them, not wanting to be forgotten. "Thanks. I.. What's with the cat though?"

Zant shrugged. "I found 'im. Thought he might help cheer you up."

"He's all cute and fuzzy and purry. I like 'im. And.. thanks, Zant. I needed someone to cheer me up. I just.. I feel like I failed her."

"You didn't. Why don't you just get some rest, okay? Come with me, I'll take you back to me and Iris's place. You can bring the wine if you want."
_______
Fedura was taken a bit off-guard by the Khajiit woman's assertiveness, but shook her head anyway. "Just my head and my ass, and I'm not taking my pants off. I'm fine, really, just really effin' hungry."

Sitting up, though, it became obvious she wasn't all that fine after all. She'd lost a nice bit of blood from the head wound and, though it wasn't all that much, she was starving and malnourished so that was a serious issue. Her vision went black and she almost passed out, falling back on the bed feeling numb and dizzy. "Ah.. I just need some food and some rest. I'll be fine."

» Fri May 27, 2011 11:32 am

The snow was thickly falling, blanketing the streets in a pearly white embrace. Every step the sizable Redguard made sank him inches into the snowy streets, but he walked with determination to the spot of the tragedy. When he got there, he stopped, and snow began to collect on his pauldrons. He stared blank faced at the place where the Shaman had stood before he slashed Arybeth's neck, and Arybeth's body lay there in the snow, partly covered in crimson frost. The Ansei's knees buckled, and he clanked into a kneel beside her body.

"No." He whispered the word softly, painfully, and one arm reached out to wrap its ebony fingers in Arybeth's hair. He caressed her hair for a few moments, as his mind moved away from here, and into the surroundings. His eyes closed as he focused. There, and there... soft tremors, barely-there traces of drawn blades and cuts-in-the-air. Weapons had been drawn, many of them. There had been some time since the drawing of weapons and the first cut; a standoff. And then a cut, another standoff. And another cut.

What exactly had happened here? Had Arybeth actually fought, or had she been taken captive and slain hopelessly? Jalin opened his eyes, frowning. If she had fought, she'd be holding her weapon. If she dropped it, then....

Frantically the Ansei searched the snow, but what he found only angered him further. A wooden sword. A wooden practice sword. She'd still had the sword from their practice session! Jalin gripped the sword tightly and scrunched his face in anger. But his anger was not directed at Arybeth.

If I hadn't practiced with her today, she would have had her sword on her. She would have stood a chance... His arm sank to the ground, the sword tip resting in the snow. She was gone, dead, because she was inadequately armed and held as a hostage. His own apprentice, dead. And the last thing he'd said to her was in a fit of rage, over her worry for a small cut. The last time they'd been together, they had fought.