Alsan raised his eyebrows at the approach of Artemis with a pipe, and being told to go to the right room and 'mind Irlav'. The smile fell from his face to be replaced by a thin-lipped smirk as Alsan moved towards the rotted door, seeing the woman slip in not a moment later. He still didn't know her name.

However, that thought left his mind as he entered the room, moving around the large center table. The glow of the room came from a single tubed water container, and floating within that as a body in shambles, looking dead. But when Alsan put a hand on the glass, the body noticeably shifted in the water, head twitching. It was still alive. Alsan actually jolted back in surprise, giving out a small cry.

If there was one thing he hated, it was undead. With a weapon he would have been confident, but without it the confidence failed near something so unnatural. The noble looked at the copper pipes, and lifted his leg. The bang echoed in the room as he kicked at it, before it finally snapped, and he grabbed at the pipe and ripped it off. It was about as long as a shortsword.

Without a word Alsan Santiare strode up to the tube, looking at the figure within. "Arkay weeps for you. Mara wishes to save you. Living like this is worse than death. I will give you what every mortal deserves; proper death." He pulled back the arm holding the pipe, serious conviction on his face as he sought to thrust it through the glass and into Irlav's stomach.

And he would, unless someone stopped him.

Morgana jumped when a Khajiit voice spoke up behind her. Then, she laughed, indulging in the irony of having been stalked while stalking the leader. However, the laugh was short as her eyes once again fell on the tank.

"I wonder if this sort of fate had been planned for us," she said in agreement, putting a hand on one hip and looking around the room with lowered eyelids. She glanced at the Khajiit--a tall creature with exotic-looking white speckled fur--and at the other people that were quickly filling the room. Her lips twitched into a frown as she responded to the Khajiit. "I understand your sentiment..." Although she didn't particularly agree with it... forget vengeance; she wanted to get out of this alive. "...but do you think we'll be able to catch our mysterious captor, in order to kill him?"

That was about the point what the nobleman began his little eulogy, and Morgana spun back to him in sudden alarm. Speaking of wanting to get out of this alive... "Call me overly cautious," she said in a clear voice, "but I don't think we should disturb anything here until we've assessed the situation. For all you know, that liquid in there is poisonous."

At this Alsan did pause, looking back to the woman, before looking back at the tank. His smirk became a rare snarl as he grit his teeth, turned away from it, and turned the pipe, setting it on his shoulder as his other hand rested on his hip.

"You have a point there... But I hate to see another person like this... and badly want to make them suffer no longer." He said through his grit teeth, before forcing it into a smirk of sorts. "And I still have no idea what to refer to you as other than 'intelligent' and 'beauty'. Care to add a name?"

OOC: Alsan you charmer you! I cant believe nobodies realised who Irlav is yet =( ... check the wiki lol. as for the liquid, you can assume its safe since you're all walking ankle deep in it thanks to Artemis' destruction of the pipes leading into the tank.

And Bsparrow, i've also been waiting for every one else to post, but its been almost 3 days since the thread was born, and i've spent a good week planning it, im itching to stard plus i dont want anybody to lose interest so early on by standing in the same room for three pages lol.

Post to come.

At Alsan's words, a gentle smile graced Morgana's lips, and she couldn't help a bat of her lashes. "You are not alone in your concern for the poor man... but we would be of no help to him if our own haste gets us killed first." Again, empty words, but her demeanor belied none of that. The realization that she was so very two-faced was not an entirely comfortable one.

Even so, she dismissed her concerns and gave the man a graceful curtsy. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what to call myself, but I think 'Morgana' will do for now."

OOC: Heh, I've been sketching Artemis and Sadi =) there's a first time for everything eh?

IC:
Artemis


Artemis smiled to himself as Sadi walked from the room, she seemed to be regaining her composure and strength, he was still worried for her though. She showed no signs of her usual cheerful and childish personality.

"Feeling better?" He asked softly as they drew closer, lowering the pipe to his side. "I found a room with some copper pipes, we should be able to use them until we find some other more useful weapons. Do you think you'd be able to cast a spell or two if we get into trouble?"

"I'm not sure, maybe." She answered, staring at the floor. "I don't know if I even remember how.. I don't remember anything Artie, it's all a blank."

Artemis felt a dull pang in his chest, his heart seemed to skip a beat at her word. What the hell has he done to her! He thought, enraged by this new information.

"Come on, we're going." He stated curtly, grasping her hand and leading her back down the hall way. "Are you guy's ready? I'm itching to find out what's behind door number two." He added as he drew level with the door, using his own body to shield Sadi's eyes from the grizzly sight.

OOC: I know who Irlav Jarol is! And I didn't check the wiki. Sadly, I am not with the group atm. Finally, to make my IC.
IC:
Avalon

A young woman awoke in a dark, cold place, curled up on her side. She slid her hand across the ground, feeling the rough, slimy stone beneath her fingertips. Looking up, she could see eery green lights flooding into the place. Illusion magic? she thought wonderingly, Lifting her head slightly, she looked around. She seemed to be in a cell of sorts, but the door... it was wide open. She frowned. This all seemed familiar to her somehow, and yet... she couldn't quite place why that was.

Or where she was, for that matter. Or... who she was. Her eyes widened. She didn't know anything... if she cast her mind back, there were a few fractured images, but nothing that told her anything about herself, that explained anything about her position.

It occured to her that perhaps she should get up. Something within her was driving her to get moving, to sieze this opportunity, and to get outside, where freedom awaited. Almost without thinking, she sniffed the air.

Blood. Everywhere. It was a horrifying thing to smell, and yet so pleasant to her senses. That only scared her even more. But there was more to it than that... ... People? she thought wonderingly. She didn't know why she would be able to identify things by their smell, but she could. She got to her feet with the grace and speed of a wild animal, moving fluidly from side to crouch to standing. She took a few silent steps towards the door of her cell, peering out of it cautiously with a wariness she wasn't sure why she had. Nobody was there. SHe sniffed the air again. Nearby, anyway...

She curled around the corner of the doorway and prowled silently down the corridor. There were many other such cells, but all were empty. She passed a puddle in the ground, and paused, curiosity filling her.

What exactly did she look like? She peered into the puddle, startled by what she saw on the other side, as if she were looking at a stranger.

She had dark, wavy brown hair and very pale, smooth skin. Her features were delicate and her eyes were large silver-blue. She was a thin creature, but in good shape- it seemed that her stint in the cell had not damaged her health too badly. It was a beautiful woman who looked back at her, but one with changeable, expressive features that for some reason she counted useful. But her reflection was completely alien to her. There was no jogging her memory, no sudden flood of insight. She still had no idea who she was.

She heard a noise and started, withdrawing into shadows with a speed and efficiency that surprised her. Where had this hiding instinct come from? She listened in. Voices. "Utter nonsense. They abducted us. Surely they have taken our weapons and kept them somewhere. Or they should at least have my broken rapier, which is better than nothing. Come on, ladies and beast-folk. I shall bring up the rear and provide us with light." The voice she heard sounded, to her ears, irritating, and she scowled upon hearing it. Charming folk think they can breeze by in life... they live off the praise of others... she thought scathingly, and then wondered why that was. What kind of person was she? Why could she hear and smell people so far away. Why did a cell seem a familiar place to her, and why was she so good at hiding and moving without sound?

She didn't know. But she decided that it would serve her best to meet up with the peope she had heard. They didn't sound much like a captor or guard would- at least, to her ears. They sounded perhaps like fellow prisoners, which meant that, for the time being, they might be allies.

She prowled down the corridor, keeping to the shadows, invisible to those who watched, heading for the source of the sound. There was a large group of people, dressed in rags as was she, weaponless. She discounted them as a threat, and withdrew from the shadows, putting her hands up palms-out in a gesture of peace. She barely had to think of what to say: for some reason, she felt like keeping things light would serve her best. "Is this the escape party?" she enquired lightly. "If so, I'd like to reserve my place."

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

Kaye

Kaye wandered around the cells, desperate for any sign of Ava. She had been missing for months before he was taken, and he was desperate that he might find her. She might not be here... part of his mind whispered. Anything could have happened to her. It could have been the vampires...

Just thinking about that made his blood boil in a way he knew wouldn't help, but he could barely contain it. Nobody was allowed to touch Ava. She was the only good thing in his life, and he would not allow that to change. He moved on. His footsteps were not silent, but his movements held a certain grace to them that went beyond mere human ability. He moved as if his strength were ten-times what it appeared. That was only partly true.

Still, his instincts were good, even in this form: as a werewolf, he would be able to find Ava no problem, but now he was slightly more limited. Distantly, he picked up a scent: his smell was far better than his hearing. There were people, many people... but also the very unique scent that was his lover.

Ava... he thought, hope and relief washing through him in a flood of warmth. He sprinted off towards the sound, wearing nothing but ragged trousers and wielding nothing but his fists. If anything got in his way, so help him he'd break their necks. He had to find Ava... he had to be sure she was okay...

Morgana glanced over as another person slipped from the shadows... it seemed their group had a lot of very sneaky people in it... including herself. The Imperial wondered if that was somehow significant.

This new person looked like a fragile little thing... but at least she didn't sound as weak as that other girl. It seemed that Morgana could appreciate a woman who could think for herself enough to be witty.

"I'm afraid our host has left the premises," she responded. Her eyes tracked around the premises, and it occured to her that she wanted a weapon, as well. She got to work on the pipe, right where Aslan had broken off his bit, kicking at it with her foot. It wasn't a very lady-like thing to do, but Morgana was beginning to suspect that she wasn't a very lady-like lady, all things considered.

She broke a piece off, about the same size as Aslan's and funnily bent and squashed at both ends. It took some creative crushing under her shoe to make one end of the pipe fit to hold onto.

OOC: I know who Irlav is too , and wow this thread is moving fast.

Jo

Jo nodded his head to the Imperial woman's question, "I always catches what I hunt." He never took his eyes off of Irlav. They did move to the man with the pipe for a moment. He couldn't believe that he could kill so easily, whether a person deserved it or not. Then again, Jo had no place to talk, he hunted people down for a living and sometimes had to kill them; but never willingly.

When Artemis suggested going through the other door, Jo stepped forward and beside him. There was no fear of there being traps now. If they hadn't encountered a trap yet, then they probably wouldn't. Though, he had been wrong before, and always hated it when he was. "I will be right beside you." He said with a nod to the door. He wanted to be one of the first out this time. That way if they saw their captor he could instantly go on the hunt for him.

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

Falcor

Just as he had though, nobody heard him. The only choice now was to get up and follow them out. He had no idea who was friend or foe but there were good chances that if they weren't attacking him, that they weren't enemies. Once again he began to get up off his knees, this time more slowly so that he didn't blackout again. It was then that he noticed that the light in the room was coming from an eery glow that seemed to have no source. Magic he thought as he made his way to the door.

Every step he took he seemed to get more strength back. The reality of the situation began to hit him. This had to be a group of rogue mages that had captured them. Everyone that was here was probably captured by their magic. That is why every second he was awake the more strength he got back. The magic was wearing off. Now the question remained however, who was it that captured them?

He saw a gathering at the end of the hallway. Apparently they hadn't found the exit yet, or were too afraid to try the other door. As he passed in front of the open door he glanced inside, paused, then stared at the tank. "By the Nine Divines... What kind of a monster would do this?" The question was mostly to himself, but it was outloud. Now he was glad that they had been released from their cells, or they might have ended up like this poor man.

He glanced over everyone's faces, just to see if he recognized any; pausing for a moment on the khajiit. Even though he couldn't see his face, he knew the exotic coloring of his fur anywhere: Jo. That bounty hunter had given him more trouble than he was worth. Always running in on his operations and knocking people out, then getting all the fame for himself. Though he didn't make himself known at the moment, he decided to see if Jo recognized him first. "So what's the hold up? Is the door barred or something?" He asked to the the man that was standing in front of the closed door.

Gerich quietly followed the group of people, still straining his brain to remember how he had gotten here, but it was no use. He walked into the room behind the other's and jumped back a little by the gruesome sight laid out in front of him. He felt his stomach turn, and he leaned to the side in case something came up, but he managed to keep it down, though he had to leave the room.

Looking around at the group, and listening to them, he felt they seemed rather sociable for the situation, talking lightly and friendly to each other. He remained outside the room until the other's came out, and he noticed some held metal pipes in their hands. Gerich peaked into the room, and saw where they were getting them from, but he couldn't bring himself to go in there.

Kaye

And then, at last, he saw her in the distance. "AVALON!" he bellowed, his voice rough and growly. He thundered down the corridor, so fast he was all a blur, desperate to get to her. There were people behind her: humans, by their scent. He didn't care, just then. All he wanted was to see his Ava.

It had been months since he'd seen her last. Just the smell of her lifted his spirits, reminded him of times when he'd felt loved and comforted. Safe. Accepted. Accepted... he repeated in his mind, the very idea of it enough to make him warm inside, filled with love for her and all she'd done for him. She'd been the only one who'd accepted him, treated him like a person. She'd supported him and looked after him, even though, in his eyes, she was much to good for him. She was perfect, the love of his life.

They were together always. Day... and night. Whether as beasts or men, they stuck together. Loved each other. It was a bond that had forged upon their first meeting, and could never be broken as long as they both lived. It was what he lived for.


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

Avalon

She arched an eyebrow at the imperial woman's response. She wondered that she was impressed by the woman's wit- and that she herself was witty at all. But something about this woman didn't feel right: something about her smell. That's completely ridiculous. Where do I get off thinking I can smell things about people? she scoffed mentally at herself.

It was just then that she heard footsteps behind her, and smelled something curiously familiar, and at the same time terrifying: something neither man nor wolf. She held casually still, listening to the steps getting louder and louder. She could hear a deep voice shouting "AVALON!" But this word meant nothing to her. Then, just as she sensed something right behind her, she stepped slightly to the right, twisting out of the way. The speed, accuracy and efficiency of this was fantastic. It was a redguard, dark of skin, who skidded to a halt just ahead of her. He doesn't look like how he smells... she thought. Perhaps I am imagining all this nonsense...

Now that that was all over and done with, she crossed her arms and looked at the others, eyeing the pipes that they were breaking. "Weapons then? Don't mind if I do." She strode over and began pulling at a loose-looking pipe. It creaked in protest to her pulling, but didn't come loose.

OOC: Hmm... Alsan is getting difficult to post for...

IC: Alsan remained silent through most of the events around him, still looking towards the hideous tube contents every now and then. It broke his heart to see someone trapped in such a state of being; an insult to Arkay. An insult to Mara as well, as it was not kind and loving to treat her people in such a way. Like a true gentleman though, Alsan remained straight with the pipe at his side, silent as he currently had nothing to add to the conversation.

He rose one eyebrow, however, as a girl walked in, a lovely looking one, though there was something... odd about her. She was beginning to seem like Morgana. Both women seemed the strong, adventurous type, unlike Sadi who was actually closer to a typical noblewoman in mannerism so far. Alsan never really felt an attraction towards the noblewomen, as they were so boring. Just like paperwork. Or diplomatic discussions. As utterly boring as they were beautiful.

He was knocked from his tangent of thoughts by the groaning of a pipe, and turned to see the new girl, who Alsan guessed the redguard had referred to as Avalon, try to break her own pipe. With a friendly smirk he walked up, and planted the sole of his boot on one end of the pipe. "Allow me to help, miss. You pull, and I'll push." He explained, pushing his foot on the pipe.

OOC: I know how you feel FC, Sadi is quite annoying to RP, whiney and moany lol.. I cant wait for her to get her memories back and regain her childish demeanor. But lets not rush it :thumbsdown: Whats bothering you about Alsan?

IC:
Artemis


Artemis span around and raised his pipe, forcing Sadi behind him as he did. He stood ready to strike as an unusually large Redguard ran down the corridor towards the group shouting a word he could not understand.

He followed the mans line of sight and noticed that he was gazing at an attractive yet extremely petit woman, possibly Breton. He couldn't tell. When she blanked him and wandered away towards a loose pipe however, Artemis braced himself for an attack which he doubted was going to come judging from what seemed to be a bewildered expression on the Redguard's face.

"Easy now, you don't want to be running down corridors shouting like a mad man in lieu of the situation." Artemis spat, wary of the mans presence, "The last thing you want is a group of startled escapees to pounce on you with an assortment of blunt metal instruments."

He stood his ground, waiting for a reaction from the man. He couldn't tell who was friend or foe. He didn't trust any he had met so far, Alsan maybe, although he could just be acting the gentleman so he could get past peoples guards.

Sadi

With a rough yet fluid motion Sadi was forced backwards against the wall, Artemis's arm outstretched before her, blocking her from attack. The other raised in a threatening manner.

With a sudden rush of Adrenaline she felt energy pulse through her body down into her fingertips. She'd forgotten what magicka felt like as it coursed through her veins, It was an odd sensation - one that would take getting used to all over again it seemed.

She edged backwards as Artemis spat a few choice words at the Redguard, ready to see if she could still do some damage.

Father, Gellius? He taught me magic.. But Alsan say's its outlawed.. Am I a criminal? Is Artie? Is that why we're in this dungeon prison? She thought frantically, feeling panicky as she tried to recall her fathers name and face. Only the name came to her, the face was draqed in shadow.

OOC: Solidor, can you PM me a quick summary of the events so far? That's too much reading. Sorry for being so late, it's just that I've been over at a friend's house.

Here's my first post.

IC: Acerbus lifted himself off the ground, stabilizing himself on a rough table and looking around the room. I need to find a way out of here. Hmmm? I smell blood. Acerbus thought as he moved out into the hallway, feeling a surge of pain creep into his body.

He began to ease his way through cavern, following the smell of blood. "Helloooo! Is anyone there?" He shouted out into the darkness, which seemed like day to him. "Wait right there if you are!!" He said again as he began to limp quickly through the cave.

Jo

Jo had been standing there waiting patiently for the door to open. His wrist, which he previously thought to be broken, was beginning to feel better. This made him believe that instead, it was likely just sprained, or perhaps he had just been lying on it wrong during his time in his cage. When a familiar voice behind him spoke though, he was brought out of his contemplation. A voice he really didn't like hearing.

As he turned around though his eyes didn't focus on Falcor, instead, the turned to the Redguard barreling down the hall. Jo hissed slightly and clenched his fists, ready for the man to strike. Strike he did now however, it seemed the man was merely running for a friend or loved one in the group. After that whole fiasco he heard a voice down the hallway. "Great, another one we must look after." He said quietly, glancing to Falcor. He muttered something about "Imperial idiot" before turning back to the door.

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

Falcor

Falcor had now taken the time to look over everyone. The one who was standing in front of the door appeared to be the one that had been elected leader of the group without Falcor's vote, or perhaps he was just the first one to come out of the cage and embrace the situation. The latter was most likely the answer. The women beside him was younger and good looking, from the way the man she was standing by acted he would guess they were siblings. She seemed much to frail of a person to be down here.

Next was the other Imperial man that was still in the room with the floating... thing. He seemed high-class, and a charmer, Falcor never trusted charmers; despite the fact that he was one. Then there was the petite woman, Breton by the looks of it, good looking too. At first glance he thought she was too frail of a person to be here, closer examination told him there was something more about her. What that something was, well, only time would tell.

Then there was yet another man that recently showed up, Falcor couldn't deduce much from him. Quiet, reserved, shy maybe? Or perhaps just in pain like some others. The last one he set eyes on, besides the worthless Khajiit, was another Imperial woman. Beatiful, first guess would be noblewoman. There was something about her though that said there was more than meets the eye, something Falcor knew a little about, but what met the eye at least was very pleasing.

Then he heard a noise behind him and instantly side-stepped, an instinct and reflex. Fist drawn, ready to fight, as the Redguard passed him by saying something about "Avalon". Which was apparently the Breton woman. This place had Falcor's nerves already rattled, some big man running up behind him did very little to ease them. When it started to become obvious the man meant no harm, at least for now, Falcor slowly lowered his hands and returned to a less threatening stance. He heard a faint sound coming from down the hallway behind him, but not before he heard a mutter from the Khajiit about "Imperial idiot". He knew that Jo was talking about him.

When he saw that people were getting pipes out of the room with the suspended body, he decided he would like to have one too. Better have a blunt pipe than bare fist. He walked in beside the Breton woman and the Imperial man. Grabbed a pipe on the wall, and gave an almighty pull. There was creaking, and groaning from the pipe; and grunting from Falcor. When the pipe finally gave, so did Falcor's knees, right onto the floor. He used the pipe to help himself up and smiled at the Breton and Imperial. "Stubborn little thing eh." He turned back to the door, though staying in the room, and glanced over everybody once more. "So what is the plan of action now? Just get out alive?" He heard the Khajiit mutter "And kill the masked man." Though payed no attention to the flea-bag.

OOC: Whew, a lot to cover, but I think I got everyone and got everything that happened

Gerich hated the idea, but he knew he had to get some pipe. And that meant going into that room. "[censored]." he muttered as he took a glance inside, trying to get his nerves up. "Poor bastard." he exclaimed, as he looked at the man, forceably, trying to get used to it.

"[censored], [censored] [censored]." he repeated as he walked into the room, unable to take his eye's off of the body as he moved to where some others were gathering pipe as well. He looked around, and saw something they hadn't seen. A piece of pipe lay dangling "by a thread" near the wall, and he moved quickly over to it, thankful he would get out of here fast.

He said nothing to the other's, and he ripped the pipe off with a little effort, and saw it to be longer then short sword. He moved swiftly from the room, using every ounce of self control to not look at the body, and when he finally left the room, he breathed a sigh of relief.

He looked down at the pipe in his hand, and gave it a few swings, finding it to be rather heavy, though he supposed that was a good thing in the long run as it could deliver more force behind it.

OOC: Why does every one want to kill him =( he might be a misunderstood individual who merely needs a hug.

But I seriously do not advise you to try and hug him if you meet him again any time soon? He hugs with fire balls and stuff?


Btw, i hope you all like fighting.
IC:
Artemis


Seeing no immediate threat from the Redguard Artemis eased up a little, resolving to keep a close eye on him if he was to escape with them.

"You can fight him if you must, perhaps you can prove as an ample distraction so the rest of us can get out of this alive while he adds you to his pickled corpse collection." He said distractedly to the newcomer Imperial, still eying the Redguard closely

He turned to the rotting wooden door that had yet to be opened. Without a second thought he grasped the crumbling handle and pushed it open. Its hinges where stiff and only moved grudgingly, an ominous creak echoing through the hall way as they moved.

Ah.. No pickled corpses to be seen, That's a relief. he thought to himself as he cautiously stepped over the threshold. The torch served as only a meagre source of light, It added to the eeriness of the cavernous room, each shadow looked more malevolent than the last.

The room some what resembled the interior of a chapel, the only difference was no signs of the nine divines where to be found here, and a few bookshelves lined the walls.

"Big on reading in his spare time then." Artemis muttered to his sister, who was following slowly behind, holding her breath as if she was expecting to need a lung full of air to scream any attackers away.

Artemis slowly moved forward's, taking great care not to make any more sound than necessary as he traversed the innards of the room.

There was no signs of any other living being within the cavernous room, although he still couldn't shake the feeling that some one some where was watching him, each hair on the back of his neck stood erect, as if they where ready to uproot themselves from his body and escape at the first sign of danger.

No attack came, nor did any noise, Artemis felt more unnerved by the obvious lack of security in the place than anything else. He quickened his pace as he meandered through benches and book laden tables, he could see light from behind a large elven tapestry on the far side of the room, Apparently their captor had taste when it came to interior design.

Sadi still stuck close behind, he could tell her strength was slowly coming back, but he still worried for her mental welfare more than physical. He couldn't imagine what it would be like losing almost every memory he held dear. He supposed it would be like being born again, having to learn everything they had already been taught once before.

"Do you think we'll escape?" Sadi asked, her voice merely a few decibels higher than a whisper. "Where will we go?"

"I don't know if we'll escape, but I do know that I'm not willing to sit by and rot when a perfectly good opportunity presents itself." He answered in hushed tones, pausing to look at her. "And we'll go home, where we belong."

Sadi shook her head at the last few words. "No, I don't want to, I don't think I can face that place again. That's where all this started, I think- I think I want answers Artie. I want to know why he captured and tortured us."

"I'm more bothered about our wellbeing than a few unanswered questions. You've seen what he's done, you know what fate will bring if we confront him." He muttered, turning back towards the tapestry as he drew closer. "Our host has shown his evil intent, I do not intend to look back. We can celebrate once we're out of this hole."

Sadi nodded in reply, a slight frown creasing along her fore head, she didn't like not being able to get the answers she deserved, but she knew Artemis was right. They had to escape.

With a quick motion Artemis flung the tapestry to one side, revealing a large bridge over what appeared to be a lake of.. Sewage? He thought, repulsed by the sight. But then it dawned upon him, the only place in the Province of Cyrodil that could possibly produce that much sewage.

"I think we're under the Imperial City Sadi, I think he built this place into the cities sewers system!" He said in a choked voice, barely able to ignore the smell. He hung back a little to regain his composure, and the contents of his stomach. "Well, his taste in location doesn't do much for the imagination."

ooc- I'm kind of having trouble too, just because I'm not used to this type of a character. Morgana's such a [w]itch... although I admit that the following post was fun to write, for that very reason.

ic-

Morgana tested the pipe, slowly taking a couple practice swings at empty air. It was unbalanced and far too light to be lethal, but it nonetheless felt better to have something with which to defend herself.

Satisfied, she rested it against her shoulder, her other hand once again finding her hip as she waited for the others to retrieve their "weapons"... if bits of piping could be refered to as such. She tapped the pipe idly against her shoulder as she took her time in scanning the growing crowd around her.

The most obvious was the speckled Khajiit--his white fur was so bright that it was practically a beacon. Judging by the way he'd split off from the group earlier, he was the independent type... to the point of being cold. But his reaction to the corpse spoke of an underlying compassion, and there was a heat in his movements now. He handled one of his hands carefully; closer inspection revealed it to be injured; she recalled him making a reference to it earlier. He seemed to be coping well with it, all things considered.

Alsan was the only one who had formally introduced himself; she decided not to hold that against him. Something about his cheery, sociable disposition rather irked the woman, as did his upright, I'm-an-upstanding-citizen manner. It was just too squeaky-clean for Morgana. It reminded her of someone she couldn't remember... if that made any sense.

And that led the eye to the girl. Sadi, apparently. Well, perhaps not a girl in the literal sense--Morgana wasn't sure how old she herself was, but she got the distinct impression that she was younger than Sadi. And that was disturbing, considering the scared, mewling kitten Sadi was proving to be. Yes, yes, she'd lost her memories, cry cry cry. Deal with it already, you spineless kitten. You don't see me going all to pieces about it, and I don't even have a bodyguard.

Then again, Morgana was willing to bet that the "bodyguard" was part of the problem. Artemis, he'd said his name was. It was a safe bet that he had some close relationship with her: either a relative or a lover. Whatever it was, he was likely partly responsible for the way she was so obviously unprepared for this sort of thing, as he sought obsessively to protect her still. With how hardened he was--especially compared to her--it seemed like he'd taken all her hardships and taken them as his own. Well, he certainly hadn't done her any favors.

Then, there was the other woman; the small one. Morgana's impressions of her were generally good, for the moment. She seemed intelligent, and had gone for a weapon right away; someone like that couldn't be all bad. Nonetheless, there was something about the presence of another strong-but-attractive woman that Morgana found annoying. The Imperial felt a catty urge to establish herself as queen kwama, but suppressed it for the time being.

The Redguard had barreled toward the small woman, yet she hadn't responded to him. A quick sweep of the Redguard's body language revealed mixed desparation and relief, far too strong not to be genuine. So why didn't she respond...? Oh, wait. Morgana thought she might have an idea. She smiled wryly to herself.

There were others, as well, although she didn't see enough of them to form an opinion. An Imperial man who had a dirty mouth when he was riled. Another, far more handsome Imperial, scanning the room just as she was (Morgana made a mental note to be wary of him; he had a certain charisma about him that felt far too familiar to her). Someone shouting in the distance for them to wait for him.

And then, Artemis pushed the other door open, and they were moving out. Morgana fell into step behind the front wave (about five steps behind Sadi, in fact), her feet automatically finding that smooth, stealthy pacing. She listened to the two's conversation with only half an ear, unconcerned about the kitten's mewling.

Growing bored with that, she broke off and explored the room, looking for anything interesting.... paying special attention to what subjects the books were about, and whether there appeared to be any handwritten journals or items of import in the room.

When Artemis flung the tapesty aside, she immediately wrinkled her nose at the scent. It was disgusting... but, then again, none of the escaping prisoners smelled like imported perfume at the moment.

ooc-

So, Solidor, what does she find? Even if there's nothing specific, a general gist would be highly appreciated.

Acerbus caught up with the group, panting slightly from the pain in his leg. "Sorry for yelling like that. Is that... Is that blood I smell?" He asked, looking about the group. A Redguard, several Imperials, Khajiit, and many others that Acerbus did not care to look for through the darkness.

He poked his head into the room that had a terrible odor, seeing a desecrated corpse suspended in a pool of a foul liquid. Acerbus smiled grimly at the body, knowing that someone really wanted that man dead; and also that he could tell that the sweet smell of blood was coming from the man's body. Ah, how I wish to have at least a tiny vial of blood, now. It would help me recover greatly. Acerbus thought as he moved in behind a girl named Sadi, supposedly.

OOC: Ah! You post too much. I'm just a poor lonely european timezoner. Be kind.
IC:

Kaye

Kaye barely paid attention to the tight mannerisms of the other man in the group; he wasn't looking for a fight, and neither were they, so there was no problem. "My name's Kaye Stacey, fellow escapee and hunter," he replied distractedly as he watched a young nobleman help the woman he loved with a pipe. She had never been as strong as he: the werefox form did nothing for her strength, as opposed to the werewolf. He'd always found her fragility endearing- as, apparently, did that other man.

Just being a gentleman... he thought, not really seeing any threat from him. But Avalon herself was worrying him. He loved Avalon, more than life itself, and he knew that she felt the same. That she would twist out of his way- gods, she was fast- and not react to him hurt him deeply. Why was she acting like this? What had changed. He didn't really understand.

"Look, Ava... if you want to talk..." he said quietly in his slow, deep voice. He trailed off as she didn't seem to respond. Sighing, he followed Artemis, wrenching a long pipe with one hand and frightening ease as he went.

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

Avalon

She had no clue who the redguard was talking to, and paid him no mind, focusing mainly upon removing the pipe. It was difficult for her, and though she had a good technique- twisting as she pulled- she didn't really have the strength to go with it. When a nobleman came over and offered her help, she merely shrugged at him. So this is the face that goes with that voice... she thought. Hmm. She was not much impressed. She had the distinct impression that this man would both annoy her and bore her- and very quickly. THat wouldn't stop her being polite to him though: she had no wish to make an enemy of him, and regardless, they could make good friends.

Besides, she needed his muscle. "Thanks," she replied to him, following his advice. Between them, they got the pipe free. She hefted it: it was heavier and longer than seemed natural in her hands, but it would have to do.

She looked around at the others in the group as she followed them through the door. "So..." she began, somewhat nervous as to their reactions to her words. "Any of you... um... forget anything?" She didn't want to mention that she had no clue who she was, what her name was, or anything of the sort. She rather hoped that someone there would know who she was: she didn't know whether or not she knew these people.

OOC: I think my issue with Alsan is his manners. He's just too gentlemanly to be like most of my characters, which have at least some wit about them and sarcastic flair. But Alsan is too polite for that. And he might be too optimistic for my tastes.

And he isn't a charmer, people, he's just got noble etiquette burned into his inner cranial matter like a cow brand.

IC: "Quite welcome." Alsan replied with a smile, before looking over her shoulder to see the Redguard wandering away, looking ignored. He followed the woman out of the room and into the next, before tapping her shoulder and pointing at the Redguard. "I believe that man was trying to speak with you. Best talk with him now while we have the time for such things." He told the girl simply, before moving through the room towards where Artemis was.

And then he smelled the sewage. Recoiling he grasped his nose in one gloved hand. "By the Nine... This man doesn't know much about real estate; disgusting." Shaking his head and stepping back, he released his nose and brushed some of his hair behind his ears. "But sewers do mean goblins, and goblins mean weapons. I say we go for it."

OOC: It's the smirking, I think, that makes him seem a 'charmer', combined, of course, with his somewhat extreme manners.
Smirking is annoying.
IC:
Avalon and Kaye

She nodded her thanks to the nobleman. "Right. Gotcha..." she replied, heading for the redguard. She was a bit nervous about all of this. She had no idea who she was, and that made her vulnerable. Though she knew little about herself, she did not like to be vulnerable, that much was clear. Then there was the fact that everyone else here seemed somewhat more in control of themselves: it was quite possible that she was the only one to be so effected: perhaps even the only one to suffer any memory loss. It was all very frightening.

Still, she was not one to allow her fears to drive her- or so she thought now, anyway- so she headed for the redguard. Imitating the noble's treatment of her, she tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me-," she began, but was cut off with a surprised 'oof' as he spun and wrapped his arms around her tightly, not the easiest thing for her to bear, being as he was so much taller than she.


Kaye was ecstatic. Finally, Ava had come to him. Finally, he could wrap his arms around her, and hold her tightly, as he'd wanted to for so long. "I missed you, Ava..." he whispered, nearly overwhelmed with relief. Nothing was wrong: she was still there for him, still his love and friend. Things would be okay.

It suddenly felt as if they'd never been apart. Having Ava there, in his arms, both of them together- it was a situation he felt like he'd been in his entire life. It felt so completely and totally right. But then he noticed that something was not quite right. She was tense in his arms, uncomfortable, and she did not hug him back with that gentle enthusiasm she always had. He withdrew somewhat to look at her. "What's wrong?" he asked quietly.


Ava could hardly believe what was happening. A perfect stranger was intimately close to her- she fought a peculiar urge to bite him and warn him away. He can't be a perfect stranger... she reasoned. He wouldn't hug me like this if we didn't know each other intimately... Still, it felt wrong to her. Her body wanted to respond to him, feel comforted by his presence, and this irked her greatly. She didn't want to not be in control of herself: she didn't want to feel things she didn't understand.

And thus, as he drew away, she pushed him somewhat, forcing him back slightly but firmly. So I must be Ava, or Avalon then... she thought. The name didn't stir anything particular within her- indeed, she felt strangely detached from it. "Look," she said firmly. "I don't actually know who you are- I don't even know who I am- and I'm finding this a little uncomfortable." Her eyes swept skywards, as if asking for patience. "I look forward to catching up with you and learning more about myself, but I'm afraid now probably isn't the best time. I don't know why I'm here or how I got here, but I know I don't want to stay." Her expression softened as she saw the absolute horror and disbelief on his face. She felt sick to the stomach that she had caused that in someone she evidently cared for- she didn't like hurting people's feelings, she was finding. "I'm sorry..." she said softly. "Perhaps my memory will return."

The redguard nodded curtly, she could see that he was a practical man, already pulling himself together ready for the task at hand. She could admire that within him, at least. "Well then," he said roughly. "My name is Kaye Stacey- and you are Avalon Dierre. I hope that helps- madam." He turned and strode briskly back into place behind the imperial, who seemed to be leading the group. Avalon watched him go feeling guilty, and wishing that she did remember him, if only for his sake.

ooc- I don't think any of us can believe in an honestly polite individual without thinking he's a charmer, a complete idiot, or being ironic, and Alsan's none of those. What does that say about society today?

ic-

Morgana watched the two lovers (it was obvious from the Redguard's body language that this was what they were. Which meant that Sadi and Artemis were... what?) out of the corner of her eye as she looked over the contents of the room. Lovers torn apart by one forgetting the other... it was like the worst romantic ballad ever written. Who knew it actually happened?

"You're not the only one," Morgana said in response to "Avalon's" earlier question. Then, because it had been so long since she'd asked it, she clarified: "...To forget things." She turned toward the petite woman, a hand on her hip. Her manner was more clipped than it had been. She was swiftly losing her temper over this whole ordeal, and that was shaking her charming mask. "I've about five memories to speak of... none of them particularly enlightening... and she," she waved her pipe in Sadi's direction, "has expressed a similar complaint. Someone, it seems, has seen fit to mess with our heads... and while I'm curious to know why and how to reverse it, I think that we should be much more concerned with surviving to see the light of day."

Avalon

For the second time that night, she- or as she was now to be called 'Avalon'- raised her eyebrow at the imperial woman. Her words stirred something in Ava: a deep, dark anger, but more than that... an urge to see justice done.

Or some kind of justice, at the very least. "My sentiments exactly," she replied blandly. It was hard for her to not keep her emotions under control- it would seem like a great weakness and liability to act as she felt. "And once we see the light of day, I'm going to find out who did this to me, and make sure that he... uh, knows how I feel." Though they were said in the same bland tone, her final words held great menace beneath the surface. Ava found she had a love of words and oratory- she enjoyed twisting the meanings of things, and using language to confuse, manipulate and intrigue. I could probably do more than that, if I wanted to... she thought.

"Now, onwards and, er, sewerwards, I guess..."

OOC: A person can be a charmer with out it being meant as a derogatory statement. It can actually be a compliment. Besides, it's just what my character took your's as No harm meant.

Jo

Once the door opened, Jo ignored everything else. His stance showed it too, he was ready for anything and everything now. His good hand was clenched into a lose fist, while his still healing hand hung loosely at his side. The room the were now walking through was admitedly beatiful, in a very macabre sort of way. It had a certain mystique about it, then again, it may be just the fact that they were out of those crypt like tunnels.

When Artemis pulled back the tapestry, the smell of sewage filled the air. Jo did nothing, not even a slight movement as to the stench. He couldn't say he was used to this smell, but he could say that he had trained his body to show no weakness. Recoiling at the stench was considered a weakness, at least by Jo's standards. Speaking of which, he noticed the nobleman recoil from the smell and couldn't help but let out a low laugh. "Careful, I would hate for you to pass out; your body would make a most excellent shield." Another low laugh followed this. Of course he was joking, though it was next to impossible to tell. Mostly because after saying this he walked up to the edge of the bridge, turning his back to the Imperial. "Who wants to go first?" The Khajiit asked, looking down into the sewage, a slight look of disgust momentarily gracing his face.

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

Falcor

Falcor ensured that he was the last one to leave the room before heading into the chapel like area next. Well, he was the last one that he knew of to leave the room. New people seemed to be popping up like daisies. The instant he walked into the room he was awestruck. Not just by the room, but by the fact that a man who could mutilate bodies like the one they had seen could also have this kind of taste.

He strayed away from the group, looking over the books that the man had kept in his room. It was much like a mini library. After a few moments he headed back over to the group, who was by now gathered around an ornate Elven tapestry. As soon as the tapestry was pulled back, however, the nature of the room was isntantly brought down by the smell that filled it. "Well, our friend seems to have good taste, but a bad choice of locations." He said as he walked closer to the group, his nose pinched for a moment.

The comments of Jo made him let go of his nose however. He walked up to Aslan, the man Jo was bashing so hard. "Don't let him offend you. Ever since a few years back the poor cat has had a case of 'brain rot'." He didn't even notice the glare that the Khajiit gave him, or, at least he just ignored the glare. He held out a hand for the man to shake, "Name's Falcor, Imperial Legionnaire and fellow convict of whatever... asylum we have woke up in." He chose to lie about his job, not much of a lie though. He did used to be a legionnaire, and it was much easier to say that than explain what an "investigator" was.