Private Into The Dark

Simus was a little sad to hear about Arillious' conditoning at such a young age. It wasn't fair for a father to treat his young son like a soldier, even if that's what he wanted.

"Well Arillious I'm sorry to hear that. I realize being a soldier is what you wanted and I'm happy you've turned out so, but you've got your whole life to be driven and motivated. You only have a couple of decades to be a child and once it's gone it's gone forever. I'm not saying your father and grandfather were wrong to train you so early. In fact, it's a credit to your discipline. It's just you missed out on something everyone should enjoy."

Simus suspened his slightly sad look and re-engaged his usual smile.

"Well, your father and grandfather must have been good to you because you're a hell of a fine soldier. I hope you love each other. If this gods forsaken war ever ends and I go back to the Legion, I'd be proud to serve with you. Alice'll go where I go. She's more loyal a daughter than I deserve, and her sister wants to be just like her. Her twin brother's a lot like you. Strong, passionate, reckless. Drove Alice crazy when they were growing up. She loves him though. She alway will. Of all my children, Alice is the most supportive. Watches out for her siblings just as much as her parents do. Even her older brother, who isn't great with people, trusts Alice enough to talk with her."

He lowered his head slightly.

"I miss all of them. I hope you decide to have children someday Arillious. They add joy to your life that nothing else can."

Simus than realized what he was saying to this boy, who was interested in his daughter, and grew alarmed.

"Of course, don't let me give you any ideas! You and Alice just take your time getting to know each other! Please!"

He than lowerd his hands, realizing they were up.

"Uh, sorry. You never stop being a father you know. Anyway, we should probably get going. We can talk more over a pint of mead and some steak."

Despite what he just said, Simus stayed for a moment to see if the boy had a response.

Meanwhile, a ways ahead of the group, Alice was running toward Hale's position. He wasn't that far off and she knew he would stop for her, but it still felt good to run. She wasn't pleased with herself for how she had acted in front of Arillious and wanted to apologize, so runnnig was a good way to releave some of that stress.

She soon saw him up ahead and wanted him to stop.

"Hale! Hale! Wait up!" Alice called.

Arillious smiled as Simus responded. He knew his parents loved him, they worried more about his overall lifestyle rather than just a small period of his life, and he is in debt to them for that.

"Yeah, but i guess I would want it that way anyways. I couldn't imagine being a trader, or a blacksmith, or a farmer... maybe it's because I've been brought up this way, but maybe not. This whole soldier thing balances me as a person anyways. I can't be mad about the possible missed opportunities. I wouldn't be here right now if anything changed...."

Arillious was a little concerned, and quite surprised at the things Simus was saying regarding Alice. He understands where Simus is coming from, but it's time for a bit of clarification.

"I appreciate the blessings Simus, but I've had one conversation with your daughter. What is this? maybe our sixth, seventh conversation? Let's take it slow. I'm not saying I don't or won't like Alice, it just seems... a little hurried. Let;s not rush too much. I was brought up to kill and protect, but I'm no brute. I'm loyal, and I would be sure to be with my eventual wife, whoever it may be, forever. That is, when the time comes. If it turns into it being Alice, great. I think right now though, the main concern is fulfilling my obligation of saving your other daughter. Let me focus on this one before turning to Alice."

He finished with a smile, surely Simus understands. Arillious is young, amped, and a bit hot-headed most of the time, thanks to his Father. His Mother however taught him a whole other subject, manners and respect, Respect to men, women, fathers, wives, and even enemies. And that's exactly he'll do.

"Yes, we most definitely need to get a move on, and we should definitely continue our conversations. Two of your men promised me drinks, and they are most definitely owning up to that promise!"

Simus was proud of Arillious' response. He had a cool head at the right times. He produced an approving smile. "I was not implying that you marry Alice. That's a long, long way off if that ever happens at all. I just saw the way you two looked at each other and decided to give you a little test. It's good to see you recognize your own boundries, and you're right. You did just meet. If this feels like a father's screening process, it's because it is. Sorry about that. I only did so because plenty of guys your age would completely miss that point. Honestly, what you two do together is your business, I just want her to be happy. Now come on, let's get the others and move out."

Simus got up and headed toward his men and the rest of the group, which had come out of the bushes when they saw the danger had passed. All were milling aroud or awaiting orders.

"Let's move out and get to camp. I don't know about you guys but I'm hungry." Simus said with his usual smile.

Arillious nodded in agreement at Simus' response.

He followed him back to the group.

"Let's move out and get to camp. I don't know about you guys but I'm hungry." Simus said with his usual smile.

"Yes, let's get a move on. Some of you owe me drinks, and a nice campfire with stories sounds quite right tonight."

He stood beside Simus, just staring and observing the rest the group.

"Azura?! What are you blabbering about? I said nothing of Azura! I was speaking of Molag Bal! The Lord of Domination, slavery, rape, corruption....and Vampires. said Jeroo-Shei with his arms crossed, starring at Deluge as if he was the strangest man on Nirn. Everyone knew who Molag Bal was, how could one confuse Molag Bal with Azura?

"I'd rather not say why, but the Daedra wants to end my continuous life and torture my immortal soul in Coldharbour. I will accept my eternal death if it comes...but these ones need my help, all I can do is attempt to delay my inevitable expiration, hopefully until I assist my new friends in this endeavor." Jeroo-Shei explained. Jeroo-Shei never hated mortals, nor did he love them all, however, these mortals he had taken a liking to, and only wanted to help them as the last thing he does before the Daedra lays waste to him.

As Arillious was overlooking the group, he noticed Jeroo-Shei, conversing with another... someone unfamiliar to him.

He was greatly confused at the rate so many new people seem to be joining this group.

He could overhear what Jeroo was saying,

Malog Bal? The Daedric Lord? Mad at Jeroo? What did I miss?

He couldn't help but tap on Simus' shoulder,

"Both of us could probably take on Malog Bal, don't you think?" he joked.

"Did something happen? I didn't see it. I must have been too zoned in with the Thalmor or something..."

As much as he tried to make it, Daedric Lords are no joke. If what Jeroo is saying happens to be true, he could turn into a huge liability to the group. He mentioned trying to "assist his friends" but perhaps getting as far away as possible might in fact be the most beneficial to the overall group. All of the Daedra aim at your weaknesses, and if Jeroo is that fond of us, then he might go straight for the group just to make the Argonian suffer. He's read about the cynical and cruel behavior of the Daedra before, and he hopes to never have to face one. He knew these thoughts he was having were important, and knew it would be good to suggest them to Simus.

"Simus, I think having Malog Bol on our tail may hinder our objective quite a bit. I know you and I both abide by the 'leave no man behind' code, but this is serious. We can't stop a Daedra. No mortal can."

Edwin slipped off a ways into the trees after he talked to Simus, he was tired of being so close to all of the soldier types and their discipline and orders and such, and with the fact that they were about to head into an entire camp of Stormcloaks this would probably be one of the only chances he would get.

He leaned up against a tree just outside the clearing, watching Arillious and Simus talk. They seemed to be discussing something about Alice, as both seemed to be casting glances in her direction quite often. Edwin had noticed the connection the two young soldiers had made and he thought it was nice. Good to have someone who could relate to you, how you though and fought and lived. Edwin just hoped that the two knew they were on opposite sides in a war, and that could lead to extreme sadness. He sighed, war was so stupid.

As the group finally seemed to be getting themselves together Edwin moved out from the edge of the clearing to fall into step by Arillious. He looked at the soldier and grinned as the walked, giving the boy a wink but not saying anything. The company continued on, with the 'invisible' mage tailing behind them the entire way, until they finally saw the edge of the Stormcloak camp, just visible through the trees. Edwin shook his head, not believing he was actually entering a military camp. When he was growing up his father had wanted him to train as a soldier but Edwin bluntly refused. His free spiritedness could not be suppressed by the strictness of the military. He looked over to Simus, "Well, you should probably go in first, we don't want the Stormcloaks getting trigger happy. Again." He cast a glance at the soldiers that had confronted Hale, Arilious and himself and smiled.

The grin left Deluge's face, and the empty stare was back. Deluge looked on at the vampire and fell to his knees. "I-I'm so sorry. I-I didn't mean any harm..." Deluge was dizzy and he could barely speak as the world twirled around him. "I want friends and family..." he spoke to himself but loudly enough for Jeroo to hear.

"Yet you've been alone all of these years? You're a fool!" he hissed back. "You disgrace me, Breton. What of Azura's Star?" Deluge stood now looking at, but past the Argonian. "I don't seek power, I seek knowledge. Why can't you just leave me alone?!" and then in an instant he was smiling again, talking to Jeroo in a trance. "I lost the star, Undead. I slayed Malyn Varen,tortured him in his own place of being. His own world or dimension. I slayed him and then I lost the star..."

The surroundings faded into silence, and for a second Deluge realized his purpose. Whatever it may have been one thing was for sure, it involved the Black Star. Jeroo had to know of more than his own Daedric Prince.

R'alle awoke and fell from is perch. He rolled around and looked up at the Horse he was tied too. He grabbed his sides and smiled as someone already tied up is wound. He looked around and felt uncomfortable in the new environment. He noticed stormcloaks everywhere. R'alle quickly took cover behind a tree and released his claws.

What has Simus done!! R'alle climbed the tree and watched as the soldiers talked and went through exercises. A group was jogging in the distance. He looked around once more and noticed Edwin. He was talking to Simus. R'alle slid down from his perch. He hit the ground jogging. He jogged low to the ground. R'alle stopped near Edwin and stood. He spoke quietly."Why are we heading toward the stormcloaks?"

Jeroo-Shei was confused by the strange rambling of the obviously insane mortal in front of him. He started off his response with "What in blazes are you talking about, 'living'?!" calling Deluge "living" sarcastically since Deluge always called him "undead". "I don't know a damn thing about Azura, that's the one of the few Daedra I haven't associated with. Why are you telling me all of this anyway?! What do I have to do with the Black Star? And how do you expect me to propose a solution for your situation when I understand absolutely none of it?!" Jeroo-Shei concluded with a angry grunt, frustrated at how this one was refusing to cooperate.

Afterwards, Jeroo-Shei then walked steadily back to the group to follow them to Simus' camp, pulling his cloak closer and covering his limbs but the tip of his tail was exposed. He didn't bother to wait for Deluge, his confusing words began to irritate Jeroo and he could not endure them any longer without becoming infuriated.

It was on this day that Hale began his unexpected, but totally <real@> 2 day acid no-comedown warning trip, because he had taken, yet again, the brown acid. He did registeran alert in his brain that a pretty woman was calling his name!!!!!!!

Putting on his sexiest grin possible, Hale puffed up and called out, "Hmm, yes? You called mildadyy??"

But why are the stars so fluffing bright like jesus christ

(OOC: Were you high when you wrote this?)

As they walked toward his camp, Simus was troubled by the questions Arillious was asking and he ignored his joke. This was no time for humor. Neither Simus nor Alice had gotten the full story between Jeroo and Molag Bal, but he had learned enough to not want to know more. Actually, he was hoping the problem would just take care of itself but he knew that situations with Daedric Princes didn't work that way. He kept his pace and listened to Arillious, speaking when they boy was done.

"Arillious, if Jeroo's called enough attention to himself to where Molag Bal wants him truely dead, then none of us are safe. If Molag Bal has found one of us, then he's found all of us. I don't know if he actually intends to kill Jeroo or if he's just playing a sadistic game but he's going to suffer either way. If Jeroo stays with us, then we're going to suffer collateral damage during Bal's chase. If Jeroo leaves and tries to evade Bal, then Bal's going to come after us to draw Jeroo out. He may be an ancient, morally neutral vampire, but he was still mortal once. He still has feelings and some part of him is going to regret any harm that comes to us. The way I see it, we're all in this together, so we might as well help him. Strength in numbers and all that."

Simus then looked over to Edwin, who was concerned about getting ambushed by his men again.

"Don't worry about it." He said. "That's one of the reasons I sent Alice ahead with Hale. Besides, they know we're comming. They're watching us right now in fact."

They were close enough to the camp to encounter regular patrols, both seen and unseen. These were part of the perimeter guard that always roamed the forest, wary of any threats advancing on the camp. Many of these men were hunters, trappers and guides from Falkreath or Whiterun. Men who knew how to track and hunt as a way of life and who could operate in the wilderness independently. They were responsable for much of the hunting and foranging that fed the camp, as well as its first line of defense. Alice had overall command of these units since she was the best hunter he had, but she had to do little more than coordinate hunting parties and establish patrol routes. She loved the woods in Cyrodiil as a litle girl and her mother saw to it that she learned how to hunt and take care of herself. Those skills came in handy during her service as a Stormcloak and she had become a good leader teaching others to do the same. Alice looked like her mother, but she had his strength of character. She really was an amazing girl, and he was lucky to have her as a daughter.

---

Up ahead, Alice managed to catch up with Hale, ignoring his exaggerated grin. He was cute, she would give him that, but he was also completely full of himself. She crossed her arms and gave hiim an annoyed look.

"Well, it's about time you slowed down." She said. "In case you haven't noticed, you're a civillian strolling through Stormcloak territory on an open dirt path, and you're being watched for it." She pointed to a pair of archers in the tree to their left, cloaks donned and bows ready. "Of course, everyone can smell the nirnweed on you, so that makes watching you moote. Either way, you'd be in a sorry state if you decided to do anything foolish. You know, for a ranger you're pretty easy to see."

Alice put her arms down and relaxed a little, seeing that she had gotten the ranger's attention.

"Anyway, I'm to accompany you to the camp. That way you won't get bound again when you try to enter. I tell you what: It's only about a hundred yards to the main gate. Let's see how quick your feet are, shall we?" Alice said with a playful smile. She than took off towards the gate, leaving Hale to catch up.

After hearing Simus' response Arillious was dumbfounded of himself.

Did I really actually suggest we abandon somebody for the sake of our own good?

He wished he would have thought it all out, he was embarrassed at his stupid suggestion. Yes, he will definitely help Jeroo, regardless of conflict.

He continued to walk with Simus, keeping very calm.

Edwin looked down at R'alle as he walked up to him and smiled, "Its okay R'alle we are just stopping by here because Simus had to tell his men whats going on. Don't worry the Stormcloaks won't do anything to us, if they do it won't end very well for them." He patted the Khajiit on the head and watched as Hale and Alice moved up towards the entrance to the camp.

"Well, I'm a civilian who will do what he damn well pleases--" Hale began to reply before this Alice girl said something akin to a footrace, and bolted down the path.

"Ohh, no you don't, you little minx!" the Ranger yelled after her as he too began to speed down the pathway. Being a Ranger, no one, save elves, had been able to best him in a footrace before. Yet the harder he ran, the more agilely he darted along the path, this girl always seemed to be one step ahead of him.

By the time they had reached the camp, they were nearly neck and neck, with Alice being around half a foot ahead of him...she had WON?!

Panting slightly and gleaming with sweat, Hale stuck his hand out and laughed, "Haha, well little woman, it seems you've bested me! That's no easy feat, mind you!...But, well run all the same!"

Seeing the confused looks of the Stormcloaks in the camp, Hale couldn't help but laugh again.

"Ah, well-met to you all as well! Do hope we haven't interrupted your... oh-so important soldiering!" pressed the Ranger, giggling to himself the whole time.

As soon as Jeroo-Shei was corroded into the gargantuan crowd of Stormcloaks, he heard a bit of Simus' speech. After Simus' words concluded, Jeroo-Shei grabbed him on the shoulder as his chainmail gauntlets made a little "clink" sound when they collided with Simus' armor. As Simus turned around, Jeroo-Shei lowered his arm, taking his hand off of Simus' shoulder, and said,

"The Imperial one wished for me to depart, I take it? Because Molag Bal wants to torture me for eternity? Does it have worry that Molag Bal would do the same to the rest of the group? If that is the case, then fear not, I've dealt with the Daedra personally, and I know enough to tell you that Molag Bal will not harm you unless you oppose my inevitable demise. I am almost certain of this."

Jeroo-Shei paused for a second to sigh, then continued,

"I've done horrible things within my past centuries...I may not be as evil now, but I still deserve this. And when any Daedric version of a God wishes for you to be with them, in a negative or positive way, there is no way to cease it. It would be best if you would simply allow Molag Bal to take me when he appears in his physical form, ours is not to let friends be punished for one's own wrong-doings. Its merely karma for my obsession of murder, in this case, of other Vampires. I will make my eternal death an honorable one, and not a cowardly one, and embrace it upfront. I was never able to serve my purpose on Nirn, but that doesnt mean you should be deprived of yours as I was, just because you wished to save me."

After Jeroo-Shei concluded, him and Simus returned to walking to the camp. As Jeroo stayed silent and awaited Simus' response as he followed him.

Alice took Hale's outstretched hand, panting and laughing with him.

"Thank you for the compliment!" She said between laughs. "I can't remember the last time I've had such a good race. Then again, I suppose you could count all the Imperial squads who have chased me into an ambush!"

She caught her breath and took one of his hands into both her own.

"You're a worthy runner Hale. We'll have to have a rematch sometime. Perhaps during a future hunt? You're quite handy with that bow. Almost as good as I am." Alice said with a challenging smile.

The two guards at the gateway were utterly confused at what just happened. Their commanding officer had just bested this Imperial in a spontanious footrace, they understood that just fine. What hung them us is wether he was an enimy or a friend and what exactly to do about it.

"Uh...no. You didn't interrupt anything Imperial. You should probably explain yourself though." One of the guards (think deep German-ish guard voice) said to Hale in response to his remark. "I'm afraid we'll have to confiscate your weapons until we know who you are."

"That's no necissairy." Alice said. "This man is part of the group the Captain's patrol found in the vampire cave. He and the rest of the group are just behind us. They're to be our guests for the evening."

"Yes ma'am. Sorry ma'am." The guard said, immediately recognizing who Alice was. "You can go right in."

"Welcome back Alice. You and your friend can go right in." The other guard said. "Thanks for letting us know about your father's friends. We'll let them pass when they get here."

"Very good soldier, carry on." Alice said as she and Hale walked through the gate.

Meanwhile, a ways down the road, the rest of the group was nearing the camp. Simus listened to Jeroo's words and knew where he was comming from. He himself would do the same thing if faced with Jeroo's situation. Admittedly, he was pleseantly surprised to hear such a noble idea come from a creature as old as Jeroo.

"Jeroo, that may have been one of the most noble speeches I've ever heard from a vamire, and I've met the Count of Skingrad. I hope you realize that by merely suggesting such a selfless act, that confirms that there is still good in you."

Simus stopped for a moment, using his one good eye to look into Jeroo's own.

"Listen, I don't know what you've done in your very long life and I'm sure I don't want to know most of it, but that does not make you irredeemable. Everyone has sins they have to suffer, but if we had to pay for every single one of them, then there would be a lot more people in Oblivion and the Nine Divnes would cease to exist. I'm here to tell you this is not so. The Daedra may live to cause us mortals misery, even damnation, but the Aedra exist to end that suffering and forgive our sins. They're there for everyone, not just their believers. That includes you Jeroo-She. Just because the Aedra don't have talking statues and shower their toadies with magic toys doesn't mean the don't exist. They came to help us, right here on Nirn, during the Oblivion Crises. The saw to it that nothing like that could ever happen again. They sent the Dovahkiin here to Skyrim to stop Alduin. They will give us the strength to save you Jeroo."

"Look, I'm not asking you to believe in my religion. Plenty of people don't think the divines exist, for all sorts of reasons. You very well may be one of them. All I'm asking you to do is to have faith. If not in the Gods, than in us. If this really is your time to die than so be it, but you will not stand alone. As Talos as my witness I will face Molag Bal with you and defend you to the last. I will always be her for you Jeroo, until my dying breath."

Simus tried to give Jeroo a look of sincerity and gave him a moment to think over what was said.

Deluge walked by some merry stormcloak soldiers who were sharing a meal. His mouth watered at the sweetrolls and mead in abundance on the table. He smirked to himself as the glowing, orange vortex of telekinesis formed in his hands, Nahkriin hanging on his chest.

"How about we arm wrestle for your sweetroll, Kinsmen?!" one of the joyous and slightly inebriated guards proclaimed to his fellow Nord. The challenge was accepted and in an instant mead was spilling on to the dirt and sweetrolls were being swept aside as the two men challenged each other's masculinity.

"Here we go." Deluge muttered as he caught grasp of the last sweetroll before it could hit the ground, and a bottle of Honningbrew slowly ensued. "Got it!" he shouted releasing his hold on the spell, which in turn sent the sweetroll and mead flying into the faces of the guards, distracted but still amused by their jest of a contest.

"Why you little-" the huskiest guard began to sputter before a green explosion of mist showered into the air.

"Phew!" Deluge fell back in relief, lowering his arms. "Haha, almost broke a sweat there." The expression on his face grew smug, as he pushed himself off of the ground. His destination? "Ha! Sweetrollll!" He snatched another sweetroll from off of the ground, wiping it on his robe. "Which wasn't the best solution." he laughed to himself again as the savory flavors graced his taste buds; moving along like he was never there.

(OOC: You realize we're not quite at the camp, right?)