Open Reforging an Empire

Eilene took to no food or drink, just sat in a corner and got her thoughts together and took joy that the exercise had finally ended. Despite every doubt she had in herself, she was proud. She not only completed her exercise, she beat the Sun's might in the process. Something very few vampires, even half vampires, get to claim or achieve with the slightest dignity.

((Finally getting out of my corner and back on my butt ^^))

Baroth trudged into Whiterun after the long journey from Falkreath. He had over heard what had happend and what Ulfric was doing. He understood that Ulfric was high king but that gave him no right to disrespect the dead.He also knew that before Ulfric was high king,he was fair and just,now he's just an arrogant animal. He knew that somebody had to stop his reign,somebody had to stand up and say enough.He headed to the hall of the dead and asked to see hadvar.

Raylen ran hard side by side with Nachael as the group finished up their run. He smiled at the speed and determination that showed in the other younger runners as they vied for postion on the field. Some of them obviously had magical aid, as they sprang forward with new life in their steps. Raylen himself didn't really feel like expending magical stamina in place of physical, as it robbed on of the exercise they were supposed to be getting on this run.

They finished quite near to each other and stood outside the hall waiting for the others. After a while the Dunmer Eilene came running up with Simus a bit behind her. It was obvious the commander was tailing behind the last runner to make sure everyone got back to base safely, good leadership there. As the group started their post run stretches Raylen went over to Simus and asked, "What next sir? Shall we check up on the Brenton woman? I could probably give her a bit more healing if she isn't feeling better by now."

(OOC: Finally posting! Stupid fanfic took 4 hours to write and burned my candle at both ends lol. By the way Dabs, in regards to positioning Alice is on the right side of the bed, closest to the nightstand so Dabs would have had to get on the left side of the bed and sit next to Alice in order to hug her. She would also have had to reach over her to get the book. Is that pretty much how you saw the scene go? It's just a little unclear in your previous post. Really good though. I'm just going to give Alice a little dialogue prior to reading, which I hope you'll RE to.)

Dabiene calmed down significantly as Alice cofessed her fear of death, her eyes wide with it. She watched every move the Breton werewolf made, wanting to believe she was safe in bed while trying not to look like a scared little girl ready to be eaten. Dabiene got onto the left side of the bed and scooted next to Alice but it wasn't to hurt her at all: it was to hug her. Alice accepted this motherly gesture without question but only did so out of instinct. Within seconds however, she realized she was safe. Despite her internal struggle between woman and beast Dabine had nont lost control.

"No, I wouldn't dream of it. I simply forgot where I was and who I was with. It's been a long week, trust me on that..." She momentarily broke her hug to look Alice in the eyes. "I'm a lot more in control than I was years ago. Believe me, I wouldn't dare hurt you then. I merely let my hatred get the better of me, when I know you aren't possibly to blame. After all, your troops did let me rest and not just throw me into a gods forsaken cell. I will thank your father later but for now I'll settle for thanking you."

These words made Alice feel safe again. Dabiene took her back into her arms and stroked her hair, holding her close. Remembering Alice's second fear, Dabiene spoke softly and soothingly. "And everyone is afraid to die to some degree and if they weren't or aren't, they are either fools or have nothing to hold their head up. Truely. To leave everything behind without second thought when you were gifted with the chance of life is... Unexcusable. In my eyes at least." Reaching over Alice, she grabbed the book and opened it while settling comfortably on the bed. Alice curled up under the covers and snuggled into Dabiene's side, using her chest as a pillow while Dabiene wrapped her left arm around her. She apologized once again for her behavior.

"It's okay." Alice said, comfy and content now that she had someone to snuggle up with. Dabiene started to read but Alice stopped her after a few sentinces, working up the courage to ask this woman a big favor and preparing herself to be said "no" to.

"Hey Dabs, you're okay with being called Dabs right?" Alice asked softly. "I want to tell you something. I'm worried that I'll sound like a naive little girl for it but I'm just gonna say it. As you already know, I was really sad when my mom was...taken from me. I still haven't fully gotten over her death. My de facto big sister Natesse, the tall Bosmer prostitute I showed you, she helped me cope and took care of me when we were looking for dad. I love her and I was really sad when we had to part ways, even though I still write to her. This time with you, and the huge amout of your memories I absorbed, it...it makes me feel happy and loved and safe the same way she did but in a different way. She was like a big sister, but you're more like a...well a mom."

Alice paused to rest her voice. She was tired and it showed. She couldn't even remember that she had mentioned Tess a couple of times, but she wanted to get this thought out before she went to sleep. She had to.

"What I'm getting at is...well...I want you to be a part of my life. I need someone besides my dad who can take care of me. Someone older than me who I can go to when I'm sad or scared or need help. I...I love you Dabs."

Alice looked at Dabs with exhaused but determined eyes, fighting with everything she had to stay away long enough to hear Dabiene's response.

(OOC: I'm posting for Simus and Hadvar now Fellow, sorry to keep you waiting. Hadvar's going to call you over and instruct you to fill out the forms so would you mind deleting your last post and re-posting after I'm done just for the sake of neatness? Also, I ask that you not post one-liners. They're usuallly too small to contribulte to the story and they give the impression that you're not putting forth effort, which I know is not true!)

Simus followed Eilene on the way back to Whiterun and all the way up to the Hall of the Dead, having to help her up a couple of times after she tripped. Her performance wasn't what it should be for a woman of her stamina and condition and she looked heavily burdaned, as if a great invisible weight were pressing down on her shoulders. Everyone was here and awaiting his orders. Everyone was tired and Titus and Alex had collapsed form exhaustion. Hopefully they just needed to get back into a routine. Otherwise they would have a problem. Arillious' excessive sprinting had caught up with him but he still stood at attention, ready as ever to follow orders.

"What next sir? Shall we check up on the Brenton woman? I could probably give her a bit more healing if she isn't feeling better by now." Raylen said after doing a few stretches. Simus was impressed with how well this man kept up. Though he did not look it, Simus could tell that Raylen was at least as old as he was but had aged much better than him. He had always heard Bretons aged slower than other humans due to their elven genetics and it seemed Raylen was a living example of this.

"We'll decide that after we asess her conditon. She looked as if she were starving so she may need some Respite Healing if you're capable of such. Come with me back to the house. We'll check on both her and Alice. Arillious will go with us."

Simus turned to the squad.

"Peleus! With me!" He barked. "You and Raylen are to head back to Breezhome and see to the Breton woman and Alice. Give them whatever they ask for. The rest of you, head downstairs. Carlotta should have breakfast ready by now so get it while it's hot."

As the squad filed out, Simus stopped Eilene and turned to face her.

"Are you well Eilene?" He asked. "This should have been an easy run for you but you were flagging the whole time, as if the sun itself were pressing you to the ground. If you have some sort of affliction I need to know about it. Otherwise I'm sending you to the healers to get a check up."

Eilene was ready to join the team for breakfast when Simus stopped her in concern for her performance during the morning exercise, much to her dismay.

"I'm never well, Simus." She replied rather grimly. "But usually when I talk about my...personal health...I tend to get chased away with torches and pitchforks, so with due respect, I'd rather not talk about it. Lets just say I work better at night." She had meant to give Simus hints on purpose, ease the truth in while hopefully leaving any eavesdroppers guessing. She didn't trust anyone, but Simus seemed like the understanding sort. Otherwise he would have criticized her rather than speak for his concern.

Baroth nodded and followed Hadvar as they neared the table with the form and quill on it. Baroth grabbed the quill,hesitating before dipping it into the inkwell,wiping off excess ink, as he began lightly filling out the form.

Baroth Hermingfel
Age:52
Date Of Birth:1E 182
Place Of Birth:Skyrim
Place Of Residence:Southwest Of Falkreath

As he finished he laid the quill on the table and handed the form to hadvar,after checking it.

Hadvar took the forms of the new arrival, a Nord that looked a few years younger than the General. After reviewing them, he shuffled them and started a new pile next to the fresh stack of blank forms he had procured from Dragonsreach after dropping off the morning's batch.

"If you look here..." Hadvar said, indicating a few blanks Baroth had missed "You didn't answer when you like sweetrolls. The General will be back soon, so once you're done with your answer, please turn in your weapons and armor and change into some Legion gear. It's the first day of training and they just got done with a morning run so you haven't missed much. Please stand at attention when you're equpped. Once he gets back General Psyrakon will give you further orders."

Outside, Eilene explained her conditon and gave some rather blatent hints that she was not completely Dunmer and did her best work at night. She also asked for discretion in disclosing her conditon. Simus understood what she was and gave a nod of approval.

"I understand." Simus assured her. "I know what you are Eilene and don't worry. It'll be our secret. I've got nothing against your kind so long as you can properly manage your...nutritional needs."

Simus' smile gave way to a look of professional concern.

"I do however have concens about your ability to work outside during the day. If you don't have any objections, I'd like to assign you to the night watch. You would assist the guards in patrolling the city, perform recon missions, maybe scope out targets for the next day, that sort of thing. In the meantime, head down and get some breakfast. If you feel good enough to train with us you should do so but you should get some rest if you don't feel up to it. What do you say?"

After Eleine's response, Simus headed to Breezhome to check on Dabiene and Alice.

Eilene had the deepest sigh of relief. "Don't worry about nutrition. I'm only half of that." she actually gave a smile and a playful wink. She was very happy with Simus now, which is to say a lot considering her outlook on life.

She was even more elated when he offered her a spot in the nightwatch. "I won't dissappoint you there, the enemy will never see me coming. As for training, I've recovered from the...exercise. So I'd love to continue. Thank you...sir." she bowed lightly, not one in the habit of saluting yet, and dismissing herself to join the others for breakfast, eating a bit of bread, cheese and a drink of wine.

Baroth nodded and filled in the blanks.

Sweet Roll Schedule:Twice A Week

Then he put the quill back on the table and handed hadvar the form again. Then headed to the armory and began putting on legion armor. He preferred heavy armor for its protection. On his way out he grabbed a helmet,then headed back to hadvar..

(OOC: Simus ! My old friend would it be possible for me to join this?? I have a reason for Hale being away for so long, as you can look at in my permalink in my sig! It's pretty cool if I say so myself xD. Anyways I'd love to join, and this would be my first RP and first post back, and seeing as you're in Whiterun as far as I can tell, it'll be a perfect tie in! You already know Hale, and those that don't can hit that permalink! Anyways, I'm gonna go ahead and post and hope you're cool with it!)

A staggering, tired, battle-weary Hale Loneshadow stumbled through the gates of Whiterun, and immediately made for the Bannered Mare. He had to see if there was any news of Simus, for it had been months...possibly years, since he had seen his old friend. Time passed differently in the realms of devils and demons, and the Nine Hells were no exception! If nothing else, the Ranger needed a drink, perhaps many, to kill the memories of his ordeal.

As he pushed open the doors of the Bannered Mare, he sank down into his usual bench seat by the fire, leaning against the middle wooden beam, and called the nearest barmaid over, a pretty red-haired thing with the figure of a true Nord farm girl, calmly asking, "If you would be...so kind..love, could you bring a pint over, please? And by all means, keep the leftover change for yourself", handing her a gold piece. Her eyes going wide, she stammered out half a dozen "thank you sirs", rushing back behind the bar, hurriedly bringing her new favorite customer a pint of the heaviest-yet-sweetest Honningbrew Ale.

"Are you okay, good sir? You seem a bit...weathered, is all," asked the barmaid, who went by the name of Samara. Smiling at her concern, and wincing at the pain that even that caused, Loneshadow replied with some strain, "Nothing this pint and your lovely face won't heal, thank you miss...though, if Hulda has any healing potions in the back, one would do nicely. Tell her I'll tip a bit extra!", the Ranger said, giving Samara a a quick yet pained wink.
"Also...would you happen to know the whereabouts of a certain Simus Psyrakon? Or perhaps his daughter Alice?"

"It's okay." Alice said, and after she began to read, Dabiene heard a soft voice.

"Hey Dabs, you're okay with being called Dabs right?" Alice asked softly. Dabiene nodded her consent. In fact, many people went by that nickname for her. Especially during her days at the College. "I want to tell you something. I'm worried that I'll sound like a naive little girl for it but I'm just gonna say it. As you already know, I was really sad when my mom was...taken from me. I still haven't fully gotten over her death. My de facto big sister Natesse, the tall Bosmer prostitute I showed you, she helped me cope and took care of me when we were looking for dad. I love her and I was really sad when we had to part ways, even though I still write to her. This time with you, and the huge amout of your memories I absorbed, it...it makes me feel happy and loved and safe the same way she did but in a different way. She was like a big sister, but you're more like a...well a mom."

If Dabiene felt shocked, surprised, excited or had doubtful thoughts, she didn't show any indication of it. Her eyes did widen somewhat as she continued to listen, knowing alice wasn't finished talking even though she was tiring. The younger of the two had a determined but exhausted look on her face. Whatever she wanted to say, she was determined to say it. And she did.

"What I'm getting at is...well...I want you to be a part of my life. I need someone besides my dad who can take care of me. Someone older than me who I can go to when I'm sad or scared or need help. I...I love you Dabs."

Again, if the Breton mage was shocked to the max she didn't show it. Or tried not to. Instead she looked away and looked forward while deep in thought.

(*Memory*)

She cast the spell again over and over, determined to get it down to the exact fabric of it's purpose, it's very soul essence--if it had one that is. She continued to do this for some minutes like she had done for the past hour before hearing some footsteps. Stopping the spell casting she was practicing with, she turned around to find her friend, Onmund.

"Dabiene! I was um... Looking for you! What exactly are you doing anyway?" He looked around her and saw scorched spots on the floor, along with signs of Conjuration blights. Looking back at Dabiene he noticed she had her eyebrows raised. Oh yes, she had already found out he had fancied her. And by his surprise she had flat out turned him down, saying it was a bad idea.

"Onmund, I don't know what you need this time, but it better be important. I'm in the middle of conducting something important. So whatever it is it better be worth it." She didn't mean to sound hotty or a grouch but she had important matters to attend to!

"Oh well..." He paused then took on a confident look that spoke volumes. Either Onmund had finally grown a pair, or he was most likely off his rocker. Most likely the former since he was always calm and collected. Well, almost anyway. "Damn it Dabiene! I demand to know what happened after you left! After you left there were reports her and there of you fighting vagabonds and bandits. Not with just magic, but with a blade! A BLADE! It's so unlike you! Listen, I know you're probably going to rip my head off for being this forthcoming, but... Gosh I need to know! I need, to know. And if I don't, I don't know if I can stand it. I worry about you Dabiene! Honest!" After Onmund was done ranting Dabiene looked at him in the eyes before looking down and sighing in defeat. "Alright, come with me."

They had walked outside and journeyed through the premises both indoors and out until they wound up on a high platform, south of the main building, but overlooking Winterhold itself. Turning to her companion she began to spill the beans. "Alright, you want answers?" She looked hard at him, and he nodded. "Do you promise not to scream like a banshee being caught naked?" He looked bewildered at her offhanded weird since of humor, albiet in a serious tone, but nodded strongly nonetheless. "Fine."

Standing back she slowly began to lean forward then grew fur, black smoke started to cloak her. She grew more fur, a large muzzle, sharp talon-like claws that could slice the thickest of meat or skin. As she was done with her "on stage revelation", Onmund stared at her. Dabiene was a werewolf. DABIENE was a WEREWOLF. How could this have happened? Unless... She had joined the Companions.

The pieces fit. It all made sense. Dabiene always wanted to get out and explore the world, explore new tastes, cultures, books oh yes books... And definately adventure. As Onmund looked in wonder Dabiene began to explain. "I wanted to explore the world through another pair of eyes, for research and perhaps a sense of adventure. Although... I have to admit... The hunger is irritating at times." As she said the last part Onmund visibly flinched. Even in Werewolf mode Dabiene could still pull off a scolding look, "Look I'm not going to eat you for a nice snack alright? I just wanted to have a little adventure. And to help people. In fact, this isn't half bad to be honest. As I said all you need to worry about is the hunger... And the bloodlust but other than that it's... I can't describe it." Slowly she reverted back into her normal self. She was only able to do this by the ring of Hircine. She hid it well with her robes but if someone questioned it after seeing it she would brush them off saying it was a nice piece of jewlery she found off a dead corpse.

Folding her arms after the transformation was done she explained further. "Now you know why I can't be with you Onmund. If the College finds out they would drive me out. Like a monster... I can't have that. So we can't be together. If you truely care for me, Onmund, then you must promise to me never to tell a soul unless I tell you to. Or if the time is right."

Onmund replied immediately but it was not to make a promise. "But Dabiene I swear to you, I won't tell anyone even if we are together! Why can't it be so? Please!" Dabiene looked at him with sad eyes, knowing he was only knowing the partial truth as to why she couldn't be with him, with anyone.

"I'm sorry Onmund, I really am."

(*another but shorter memory*)

"Is... That why you can't be anyone? Romantically at least?" Marie calmly looked at her savior, the woman who had took her in a few months ago when she had no one else to turn to. Dabiene looked at her with sadness and replied, "Yes. I can't afford the chance. I've longed to have a family for years Marie, but I know it's a vain wish. It's all in vain. Even if they can overlook the beast blood they will see. I'm not fit to raise a family. I'm not fit to be a wife or mother. It's best if I'm left alone." She looked sorrowfully at the floor. Her resolve had cracked but after a moment she sat up straight and looked at her new found friend. "I'm better off alone Marie. And that's the end of it." She stood up and walked off into the living room, Marie following her and trying to reason with her all the while. "Is that what has gone to your head? If someone truely loves you they can over look your flaws! And after all you've done for me... For many people... Can't you just at least give it a chance?" "Marie I said enough." The Imperial girl was persistent though and continued. But this time she hit a nerve. "I know that you had a rough childhood but not all people are bad! Just becase your parents didn't see you as much doesn't mean---" Dabiene spun around with rage and growled deeply and in an authoritarian voice, "I. Said. Enough! Is that so difficult to understand?! Hmm!?" After a moment Dabiene realized her mistake and pain overtook her facial features. Marie was shocked beyond words. With a sigh the Breton Lady of the Manor softly said with a defeated voice, "And that's why no one will ever... Accept. To Love." With that she walked away to her room, locking her self leaving Marie standing there shocked still for minutes afterward.

(*end)

As she returned to the now, she knew what she had to say to Alice. Turning to her to reply she stopped, for Alice was asleep. Smiling softly, she proceeded to do the same, book laying forgotten across her lap.

(OOC: Couple of things. The first memory Dabiene is younger, like in her twenties. Early Twenties and is reckless. Perhaps you could tell that. The second was a few months prior to the start of this roleplay. And I'm not revealing anything else, so if you want to know, ask Dabiene the character herself. With your characters of course. And as for the werewolf thing, I know there is only one ring of Hircine and the fact that other people could have it, but I'm just going to make it an instance where he hands out blessings of the ring like he did with Sinding. But Dabiene wasn't fooled, she actually pleased Hircine... By doing some rather disturbing things in werewolf form. Mutilation isn't her most proud accomplishment. Let's go with that. And sorry for the long post! PS: Are you happy Simus? ;P )

EDIT: In regards to Onmund finding out about the Companions being werewolves, he had already heard rumors and Dabiene had talked about the Companions prior, but made no comment on joining them. Until then at least. And then he fit the pieces together.

As he neared hadvar,he addressed him properly. "Reporting in,sir." He said,saluting him. Hadvar replied by extending his arm,instructing him to stop saluting. "The others will be here shortly,until then,feel free to get acquainted with the place." He said,sitting at the table. Baroth nodded and looked around the fairly lit catacombs. He walked to the right and entered the small room. Nothing but a table with stacks of books and lite potions here and there. He walked up the path and entered the left room. He saw a couple of small tables with empty goblets on them and the occasional candle. He walked back to the middle and stood by the fire,remembering the many cold civilizations he had been too.

The barmaid looked at Loneshadow with surprised (not to mention confused!) eyes. "Well...yes sir, Simus and his daughter are stationed right here in Whiterun! He IS after all, one of Ulfric Stormcloaks finest generals, and a commander of many, many soldiers...I would have thought this to be common knowledge, especially for a ranger such as yourself?" she finished, giving Hale a quizzical stare.

Now, it was Hale's turn to be surprised! Why, surely he knew of Simus' position as a ranking officer in the Stormcloak legions...but now he was a general? "Ah, well, I have been...shall we say, absent from these lands for some time now. I only inquire as he was an old friend and comrade to me in an adventure we shared what I believe now to be some years ago, but were seperated by, er, extenuating circumstances," Loneshadow replied, clearing some of Samara's confusion. Downing the large healing potion that was brought to him and feeling instantly more invigorated, Hale leaped up from the bench, and walked over to the bar, buying half a loaf of bread, two bottles of ale, and some dried meat. Filling his canteen from the water jug on the bar, he bid Samara and Hulda goodbye with a slight bow and tip of his newly acquired large brimmed hat (ooc: think Jarlaxle's hat from the Drizzt series!), he flew out the door, tossing a small bag of gold coins onto the bar as he left.

As he wandered around the city, conversing with the locals, Hale quickly discerned that Simus now resided in the newly built house of Breezehome, not far from where the Ranger was now. Excited yet nervous to see his old companion again, and getting the general idea that not all was as it now seemed in the newly-forged Skyrim (and sensing his old friend was behind it all!), Loneshadow took off at a slight jog down the sloped road towards Breezehome.

As he neared the building, he saw a stunning Dunmer-looking woman walking towards the inner bowels of the town. She caught his gaze so completely that Hale ran straight into a surprised...

"SIMUS!!!!"

His business with Eilene done and her seeming quite happy with his acceptance, Simus headed off to Breezhome to check on Alice. Considering how she last looked, Simus figured she would be in bed fast asleep. He was worried about that Breton woman being alone in his house with his daughter but she was at least as exhausted as Alice was and he could tell she was starving. She had a wolfish grin that he found unsettling but her willingness to cooperate suggested that she wouldn't make trouble. He would allow her whatever food and rest she wanted and perhaps then she could explain herself. As he was thinking this over a large body ran into him from behind, knocking him down and making him turn around in suprise and anger.

"Hey!" Simus snapped. "Be more careful you...!"

"SIMUS!" The Imperial who had just bumped into him exclaimed. At first Simus didn't recognize this man, it had been so long. Then he looked into his eyes and remembered who he was. This man was Hale Loneshadow! The man he had fought with against the vampires over a year ago! He had simply disappeared one night and was never found. Simus and Alice had always assumed he was killed by vampires or some wild beast but this certainly proved them wrong.

"Hale?" Simus asked in disbelief. "Hale Loneshadow?!"

He went out to touch Hale to see if he was real, then picked him up in a giant bear hug.

"I don't believe it!" Simus exclaimed. "It really is you! Where in Oblivion have you been you Nirnweed-huffing bastard!? We all thought you were dead after you just disappeared that night in The Reach. C'mon inside, we've got a lot of catching up to do. Mind your voice though, I've got a sick daughter and a wounded house guest to look after."

Simus unlocked the front door to Breezhome, letting himself in and leaving the door open for Hale.

"Wipe your boots off on the welcome mat before you come in." Simus said in a low voice. "I need to go upstairs and check on Alice and our house guest. I hope you've got a good story Hale because you owe Alice an apology. Please, make yourself at home. Help yourself to whatever's in the pantry."

Simus crept upstairs as quietly as he could in his Heavy Imperial Armour, holding his sword scabbards so they wouldn't bang against his sides. His room was open but Alice's door was closed. He quietly opened the double doors to see a dark room with the blinds closed. Alice was snug in bed and fast asleep, but something that concerned Simus was the fact that she was curled up next to the Breton woman as if she was her mother. Alice had always been too trusting for her own good and the war hadn't dispelled this innocence. Simus was eternally grateful to the gods for this but she should know better than to curl up in bed with a stranger.

Simus creeped up to the Breton woman. She had gotten under the covers with Alice and apparently had fallen asleep herself while holding her. Alice was latched onto her fairly tightly and the woman had put her arms around her in acceptance. Alice always was affectionate, especially when she had someone to sleep with. She stirred as if aware of Simus' presence but Simus let out a soothing shush so as not to wake Alice.

"Shhhh." Simus whispered. "Don't get up, it's allright. I didn't expect to find you in here but I can come back later if you want to sleep. We just need to talk when you're ready."

He got quite bored of the fire and decided to head into the hall of the dead. He headed to the left and sat near the shrine,waiting for the others.

Remembering the many places he had been and how he had ended up here. Thank the gods for his training. he stood and unsheathed his sword,having flash backs of his training. He swung his sword left and right then right and parried,almost like as if he was really fighting someone. He swung left then sheild bashed the air then ducked and swung hard. He jumped up then swung again and again.

Then he dropped his sword and began punching the air,as if disarmed. He punched left then blocked then right. He smashed his elbow into the air and rolled across the floor,then he smashed his fist into nothing. Then he stomped on the ground and lowered his fists. He walked over and picked up his sword,sheathing it.

Hale could barely contain a smile as he followed his old friend into Breezehome, wiping his dirtied boots as requested. Nodding his head in affirmation that he understood the situation, the ranger quietly removed his sword belt, draping it over one of the chairs near the hearth.

As Simus started upstairs, Hale almost tip-toed to the pantry, carefully opening some cupboards until he found what he was looking for: a fresh, glazed sweetroll! Putting it on one of the nearby plates, Loneshadow moved towards the hearth, and quickly built a small fire, thinking it would make for a decent touch when Alice (who would undoubtedly be very cross with him!) came downstairs. Hale sat down near his fire, stretching his legs out until his toes were nearly in the fire themselves!

Staring into the flames, Hale was suddenly and inexplicably wracked with torturous memories: memories of his suffering at the hands of pit fiends, devils, and demons, all of whom had killed him many times over, only to revive him so that they may have their fun again....

*Waking Nightmare*

--- He was back in the Hells, Oblivion, whatever one wants to call it: it was simply a living nightmare for Hale and his faithful Astral grey-wolf companion Mael. Countless years in Hell Time he had been here, escaping every few years or so, only to be hunted down like the food he was, fighting for his life until he was brought back...into the flaming home of the archdevil Baalzeamaltich, one of the Lords of Hell itself.
As the archdevil came forth from his lair, the imps and devils in service to him strapped Hale down on a spiked rack, their sharp points piercing his skin. This was only the beginning.
Baalzeamaltich made a demonic noise that would be equivilant to laughter, extending his longest digit, a wicked barbed claw dripping with poisons that those in the realm of men could only dare dream to imagine. With a smile that could only be constituted as pure malice, Baalzeamaltich drove the point home, into the goodly ranger's sternum, ripping downwards as slowly as possible ---


Jolting himself from his nightmarish memories with a sudden arching, Hale unintentionally flung himself out of his chair, himself and the chair hitting the wooden floor with a loud THUD! Cursing silently to himself for allowing this to happen, Hale winced, hoping the noise did not wake Alice.

dweles plopsSTRUCTION said:

Drebin rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his attempts to stretch out were blocked by the coffin. Panicking he kicked out the cover like the so many Draugr did before they fell to his blade. Checking that the Jagged Crown was still in his pack and the Deathlord he was hiding from was gone, he drew his sword and continued on to the main chamber. He was hired by a hooded man in Morthal who introduced himself as Kailua. Kailua gave Drebin the Crown and promised him 5000 gold if he would return it to its burial crypt. Not about to refuse a fortune, Drebin took the crown saddled his horse and set off. He could already guess what this job was for. Unrest was brewing in Skyrim now that Ulfric was High King. The Grey Quarter Massacre was still fresh in the peoples minds and Skyrim's Elven population, and yes some of it's Nordic one, wanted retribution. Being a Nord himself he fought loyally for Ulfric during the civil war. But now, even he could agree that Ulfric has let the power go to his godsdamned head. Finally reaching the door to the main chamber, he sheathed his sword and braced himself before shouldering the door open. Stumbling into the room, he lost his balance and fell into the lap of a Draugr. Stumbling back in fear he saw that the Draugr was dead already. Sighing in relief he removed the Crown from his pack and started to set it on the Draugr's head. When a voice piped up from behind him, "I wouldn't do that if I were you kinsman". Pausing he returned the Crown to his pack and spun around, only to be greeted by Galmar Stone-Fist. "So" he began "what's it going to be. You give me the crown now and you die at the hand of the headsman's axe. Or I kill you now, take the crown, and leave your body here like an animal." Drebin laughed and drew his sword, "looks like I don't have much of a choice do I". Galmar smiled, "I'm going to enjoy this" he says while readying his battleaxe. With roaring war cries both men rushed at each other blades clashing in the air.

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thank you smus

misspelled that -_- deep