Tavern Tales: Come on in and Have a Drink! Part III

[WhoGuru]

Red leaned against the wall outside the Tavern door, rubbing the back of her head ruefully.  Just her luck to end up out cold on the side of the road while the men save the day.  Within, she could hear the laughter and merriment as everyone was regaled by Grond with the tale of the massive worm's death.  She knew something odd had happened, could see it on Grond's face from time to time as he looked at Will and grinned.  The knowledge of a secret that Will would not tell her was, to her surprise, disturbing.

A small voice in her mind whispered that she couldn't be trusted with whatever it was.  She crushed that thought, William deserved better than that from her, though it still pained her, in spite of herself, that she was left out.  Shaking her head at her own silliness, she decided a ride was in order.  So much had happened in so short a time, she felt a bit overwhelmed.

In the stables, she found Savior plucking at a handy bale of hay.  As she watched, he stole the occasional look toward the stall that usually held Legion and she laughed.  "You miss them too, don't you?"  Thinking of Rider made her smile.  No doubt he would have had some few choice words to say about the giant worm and it's mysterious destruction.  Thoughts of the giant worm made her think of dragons and then the hunters who had come to claim their prized and just as quickly, and strangely, left.  A set of sky blue eyes rose in her mind then and she smiled even more broadly.

"Perhaps we shall go hunting again after all."  She said to Savior.  She quickly saddled him and he pranced about, eager to be off.  She cantered him out into the yard where a stable hand greeted her.

"Leaving m'lady?"  He asked with a tip of his cap.  "Any message you'd like given?"  He was used to the Tavern's residents taking off on a whim now.  Red laughed and nodded.

"If anyone asks, you may tell them I've gone dragon hunter hunting."  With that, she kicked Savior into a gallop and down the road after the hunters.  The stable hand shook his head, confused and went back to his work.

Red rode west in a general sort of way, following the road and the heavy imprints left in it by the Dragon hunters wagons.  She smiled.  Shouldn't be too hard to catch them on their way to Cape Town.  She found her thoughts returning to the Tavern as she rode and her increasing feeling of being left out.  William had found Sherena, Grond had also found a soul mate in Failan.  Vereta gone to the earth, and here she cried softly once more for his loss, Shamus and Rider off into parts unknown.  Only Echo seemed unchanged, ever his erratic self.

She realized she was feeling pity for herself once more.  "Pathetic."  She muttered.  So involved was she in her own thoughts, she nearly missed the point where the tracks went off the road, heading towards the shore.  She could almost smell the salt air of the ocean now and turned Savior to follow them.  They must be making camp outside the town, she thought, rather than wheel those massive wagons into the town proper.

She soon stopped in a small wood, dismounting and tying Savior loosely to a bush.  "Think I'll see if I can surprise them."  She whispered to her steed.  He nickered softly, as if laughing and she stepped into the darkness beyond.  She walked only a short time before hearing the familiar singing of Garulf's hunters.  Skirting the edge of a large clearing, she came up on a rise above them and found the caravan camped within sight of the town.

She grinned, amused at stealing up on them unawares.  Watching, she knew Garulf was not there.  Only a few of the men were present and she decided he must be in town, likely at the nearest Tavern with a large mug.  With a silent laugh, she left the men to their guard duty and made her way down to Cape Town.  The streets were quiet this time of night, most of it's denizens gone to dinner.  She tiptoed through the streets, unseen, and was soon rewarded.  

From one of the larger buildings in the center of the wharf, she could hear the unmistakable voice of Garulf raised in song.  The building was two storied and graced with a wind worn sign proclaiming it the Seadog.  She followed the sound with a grin and slipped inside the tavern unnoticed.  The Nord was standing at the bar, singing loudly and with passion, if a bit off key, about a lady left behind and Red smothered another laugh.

His eyes swept the room as he sang and finally, with astonishment, came to rest on Red.  He finished his song to cheers and the good natured ribbing of some of his men.  Begging their leave he came to her, a slow grin spreading across his face.  He placed his hands on her arms lightly and stared into the green eyes that had fascinated him so.

"Red."  He said and smiled down at her.  "What brings you to me here?"  He was pleased that she would think to come find him.

"Just out for a late night ride."  She said with a grin, enjoying the shivers of pleasure his touch caused in her.  He frowned slightly at her and took her chin to look more closely into her eyes.

"Is that all?"  He asked softly.  "I see sadder things in your eyes, lady thief."  Red gasped, prepared to argue with him and then changed her mind.  He was right.  She had needed the company of someone uncomplicated and here he was, offering without asking.  She pushed her own self doubts aside.

"Perhaps I needed the company."  She said, and now placed her own hands on his arms, amusing herself by running them up his arms.  "It has been a strange week, Garulf and I need distracting."

He laughed then and swept an arm around her shoulders.  "That I can do and gladly!  Come take a walk along the wharf with me."  He led her outside, his men calling bawdily to them as they left and Red felt happier than she had in days, in the company of this strange Nord and his blue eyes.

[WhoGuru]

Garulf and Red sat closely together on the bridge that spanned the breakwater between Cape Town proper and a small island estate.  They watched the moons light glow on the ocean surface and the sails of the few ships put to sea at this hour.  They talked of many things, and sometimes nothing, content in each others company.  In fits and starts, Red found herself telling this man her past.  Even as she spoke, she was shocked to be revealing things she rarely spoke of to those she was familiar with.  Garulf, to his credit, said little.  The comforting weight of his arm around her shoulders seemed to keep her at her ease.

After several minutes of silence, he spoke finally.  "Assassin."  He said simply and then laughed, eyes sparkling at her.  "I'd never have known it to look at you."

Red laughed now.  "Well it wouldn't make much of an assassin, or thief for that matter, if everyone could look at you and know you were dangerous, now would it?"  Garulf barked another laugh and squeezed her tighter.

"Aye, lass.  Tis a dark tale you weave."  He quieted now.  "I find myself with a need to unearth those that sold you to that life and hunt them."  Red was surprised at the quiet vehemence in his voice, and a little pleased as well.  He'd accepted her dark past so simply.  No judgments or cries of murderer.  Her heart warmed that much more to him.  "You've another tale yet to tell me I think."  He looked once more deeply into her eyes, smiling.  "One that places burning embers in eyes of misty green?"  She stared back into his blue eyes, falling once more and impulsively kissed him.

It was gentle and passionate and she warmed head to toe with the feeling of his lips and his hands at her back.  When she drew away finally, eyes closed to savor the moment, he chuckled softly and placed a feather light kiss on her forehead.

"That, lass, is not an answer."  He kissed her now, deeply, leaving her breathless and grinned at her flushed cheeks and sleepy eyes.  "But why don't we leave that story for another time?"  He rose, pulling her up with him and didn't relinquish his hold on her.  Giggling like children, they headed back toward the Seadog.  They had whiled away most of the night and the hour was late.

So late that an unskilled thief might think to take advantage of two people alone on a street without looking more closely at the mistake he would shortly make.  As they stepped off the bridge, a man stepped out of the shadows of the building across the street.  Red had time to register the glint of metal before a sword point was aimed at her chest.

"Give me your gold quietly and the lady lives."  He said softly and in a desperate voice.  Garulf growled at him and the sword moved to point at him, the thief suddenly thinking him the more dangerous.

"Walk away now and I may let you leave with both your legs working you fool."  Garulf spat at him, unphased by the blade.  Red watched the man, his blade trembled slightly in his hand, eyes shifting back and forth between the two before dismissing her and resting on the Nord.  She sighed inwardly.  The old Red would have slain the fool without a thought and been done with him.  She was not that person anymore and had been having such an enjoyable evening up to that point, she opted for mercy instead.

With his attention on Garulf, Red found it pitifully easy to dodge quickly inside his guard, land a foot heavily on his knee, take the sword and plant an elbow along his jaw.  The idiot thief went down with barely a sound and lay unconscious on the street.  Red gave the battered steel sword a cursory swing and tossed it into the river.  Garulf, momentarily stunned, shook himself and began laughing.  Soon he was roaring with it and took Red in his arms, swinging her around before holding her closely to him.

"Took you long enough, how long did you expect me to hold his attention?."  He kissed her again, lavishly and they left the idiot on the bricks of the road to meet the light of day alone.  Together, they returned to the Seadog and the room Garulf had purchased for the night.

[WhoGuru]

Come the morning, Red stood in the small wood once more, this time with Garulf.  He had insisted on walking her to her mount.  "Why out here?"  He asked with a shake of his head.  "Surely you could have stabled the beast in town."

Red laughed.  "The better to catch your men unawares."  She pointed in the direction of the camp.

"And did you?"  Now he was very interested, amused at her whimsy and annoyed at his men.  Red nodded, watching the irritation flit across his face and laughed again.

"Don't be too hard on them.  It's not everyone who sees a master thief when she does not want to be seen."  Garulf laughed with her now, silently vowing to instill more vigilance in his men.

"Aye, lady thief.  And you to home is it?"  Red nodded, loathe to leave and anxious to return all at once.  They had enjoyed each others company well into the break of dawn and she had slept peacefully in his arms for a few short hours.

"Where will you go next?"  Red indulged herself and ran her hands up his arms once more as he chuckled at her.

"Haven't decided yet.  Rest assured I'll leave word so you may try to surprise my men again."  She laughed with him now and ended on a kiss.  "Off with ye now."  Garulf kissed her forehead again, making her snort a laugh and she mounted Savior with ease.  "Tis a strange horse that would wait here all night for its' mistress."  He said now, giving the horse a hearty scratch behind the ear.  Savior sniffed the man experimentally and, deciding he liked him, gave Garulf a bump in the chest with his nose that sent him back a foot.  

Laughter followed Red out of the wood and she headed for the road and the Tavern humming a new song, at peace with the world at least for a day.

By the late hours of afternoon, she and Savior came in sight of the Tavern's hollow.  She stopped him on the rise and looked out over the valley.  For a moment, she considered taking off and heading into the West Weald.  Surely the Rider could use a friend wherever he was.  She laughed softly and kneed Savior down to the hollow.  Had he wanted or needed aide, he would have sent word by now.

She rode quietly into the Tavern yard, greeting the hand who had seen her off yesterday and wondered what waited for lunch this day.

[WillieSea]

As William listened to Grond’s version of the tale to the worms’ slaughter, he smiled slightly, but he was also troubled. He disliked living a lie, even if it was for his own continued existence at the Tavern. What really troubled him was the hurt look on Red’s face, he knew she suspected something. He hated keeping secrets from his friends, but was unsure of how they would react. The visit to the doorsteps of the Tavern by the dragon hunters had made him cautious of everybody, including himself. He was saddened by it, but he would have to be stern, the world was a cold and uncaring place, sometimes even between good friends.

This brought the idea of the Sept to William’s thoughts. Those that belonged to the Sept became as one unit, willing to defend each other to the death. When he finally joined a Sept, he would tell his new brothers and sisters of all his secrets and hope they would do the same. Only then could he truly feel safe in exposing himself to his new family. It would be for the common good of the Sept to discuss each of their strengths and weaknesses.

That William knew of, only Sherena and Sharon knew for sure of his ability to transform into a dragon of Akatosh. Garulf suspected it, but had no real proof. A smile came to William at the thought of Garulf. William felt Garulf was an intelligent man strong of body and heart. Garulf was a man that had not judged William out of fear as a lesser man would have.

A chuckle escaped William’s lips as he remembered Garulf’s only mistake. Garulf did not know that the now very young William was actually much older and not the inexperienced adventurer he was taken for. Fortunately there had not been a fight. William was a Master Assassin gaining the title of Listener in the Dark Brotherhood, a Master of the Destruction magic’s as well as being well versed in the arts of Restoration. He was master in both blade and bow weapons. He did not gain the age of 43 years by being weak. The encounter not so long ago from the waters of time had removed twenty years from his age, leaving him a very experienced young man.

William was glad things had turned out they had with Garulf, a man who William could easily call friend if not brother. This brought him back to Red who seemed to really like the Nord. That would be a liaison that he would favor for his close friend Red. A smile came to William at that thought.

As Grond continued his story, giving William knowing looks, William realized that he would have to add Grond to the list of people who might know of his transformation ability.

William sighed and got up, crossing the common room to slaps on the back and congratulations for defeating the beast with Grond. He headed for his room at the back of the Tavern. Some secrets would have to be kept from his friends a little while longer. If you trust the wrong person, your life could become forfeit or the lives of your friends or loved ones. The world was a cruel place, even in the sanctuary called the Tavern.

William returned to the common room with Grond’s weapon in tow. Grond was in full stride of telling his tale, which seemed to grow grander as he drank more ale. William nudged the Nord in the side with the great weapon, gaining his attention. Grond’s eyes grew wide as he recognized his weapon in William’s hands. He grasped his hammer from William as he stood up and gave William a great bear hug which later Grond would describe as hugging a tree as the armor William wore had stiffened so much.

William sat down again at a corner table where Sherena joined him. She took his hands in her own upon seeing the concern etched on his face. Knowing he felt bad about keeping the dragon a secret she spoke, “Don’t be so hard on yourself. There is not a soul in this Tavern, in the whole world that does not keep secrets about themselves hidden from their friends. When the time is right, then you can reveal yourself to them.”

William smiled back at Sherena. She was so intelligent, courageous and was the perfect counter-point to William. They seemed to compliment each others abilities so well. They both had saved each others lives on several occasions already.

William leaned over the table and Sherena did the same and their lips touched sending tingles of pleasure through their bodies. Sherena sat back and thought about William and became worried. She truly hoped he was the one foretold to her in her dreams. The image of Akatosh had been quite clear that none would have her until the chosen one came to her. There were a few boys and several men who had attempted to take her virtue through the years by force, and all ended badly for them. None had succeeded, keeping the word of Akatosh true to her.

She looked over at William and smiled. He was such a gentleman, always kind and caring for her and her needs. She wished with all her soul that he was the one that would break the cycle, that he was the chosen of Akatosh. She smiled, of course he was the one, he had the fires and the body of Akatosh!

She was eager to lay with him but also a bit fearful. She knew that William had never lain with a woman. As she thought about it, she felt the excitement in her build, an excitement that she had never felt before. She needed someone to talk to, someone she felt she could trust.

Sherena looked around the room looking for Red and not finding her, excused herself from the table, touching William’s hand as she left. She could almost feel the sparks every time she touched William. They smiled at each other and blushing, Sherena searched for Red.

The day was turning to evening as Sherena searched outside for Red. She learned from a stable boy that Red had left earlier that day, gone after the Dragon Hunter. Sherena sighed; she would have to wait for Red’s return to talk about her feelings and what would happen on her wedding night. It was scary and exciting at the same time. She wanted to minimize the fear she had before she joined with William. She hoped Red would return soon and help her out, woman to woman.

[WillieSea]

Sherena kept an eye out for Reds return and instructed the Tavern staff to let her know when she came back.

While she waited, she was secretly visited by the seamstress from the village. They talked about the wedding gown that she would wear on her wedding day. After looking at several different styles, she choose one that she really liked. The seamstress then took her measurements and the full payment for the dress.

William had wandered outside and was exploring the territory around the Tavern. He was looking for the perfect place to hold their wedding ceremony. This time, he was alert for danger, but none came to him. Few monsters ventured near the Tavern anymore, and the few that did were quickly taken care of by the flow of adventurers coming and going.

After finding the right place, William returned to the tavern to find Sherena sitting by one of the tables near the front windows, looking out into the yard. William sat down next to her and asked “What are you looking for?”

Sherena glanced at William and kissed him, enjoying the tingle it gave her. “I’m waiting for Red to return. I wanted to ask her some… things.” Sherena blushed and quickly looked back out the window. William massaged Sherena’s back for a time before Grond came by and invited William into the training yard out back. Giving Sherena another kiss, he got up and left with Grond through the back door.

Grond trained William on some advanced techniques for using a warhammer. They spent several hours sparring in the training yard behind the hot springs, sweating from the exertion. After a while, Grond finally stopped, raising his hand and lowering his massive hammer. William lowered his own warhammer where it melted back into his armor.

William exclaimed breathlessly, “Thank ye Grond! That was a magnificent training exercise! Perhaps I can return the favor some day?” They both re-entered the Tavern side by side as equals for a well deserved round of cold drinks.

William saw Sherena still at the window table. Something was bothering her, something that only Red could help her with. He went over to her and gave her a kiss before re-joining Grond at the bar where they drank and talked about weapon tactics at length.

After a while, as the light faded outside, Sherena got up from her table excitedly and went outside, soon coming back with Red in tow. They sat at one of the corner tables by themselves. Sherena blushed and started talking to Red. William wondered what they could be discussing as Red talked back to Sherena.

Sherena turned various shades of pink and red as they talked, on occasion both looking over at William. Red was smiling devilishly and winked at William once, followed by a gasp from Sherena. They remained in animated conversation for a while, so William passed the time drinking and talking with Grond some more.

William could not help but like the big Nord with his easygoing ways and quick laugh. Grond then looked William in the eyes, catching his attention. “The women folk are talking about you, you know. I am more worried for Sherena for what Red may be telling her!” He then laughed and slapped William on the back again, wincing as he stung his hand once again.

[grond]

Sometime later, Grond and Failan walked out through the back door and past the hot springs, to where they could view the far-off mountains.

"I do not want to return to Udolf."

A breeze pushed her thick hair so that it covered her face.  Grond swept the dark strands away, saying, "Did anyone ever say to you that your hair is the color of stout?"

"No", replied Failan.

He stood only an inch or two taller than she.  He continued smoothing her hair with both hands, though the breeze had quieted.  "Or that yer eyes are the color of whiskey?"

"So you believe I am a beverage?"  She took hold of his wrists.  There was a small battle - first Failan forced Grond to slap his own face, then Grond overcame her and very lightly slapped Failan.  She turned round then and draped the Nord's hands across her shoulders.

"Aye," said Grond into her hair.  "A mighty draught.  Tall, cool, hardy.  Refreshing.  I do not want you away, in Udolf, while I thirst."

They looked out to the mountains where lay Udolf.  “What then shall we do?” she muttered.

“Dunno," sighed Grond.  "But there’s the rumblings of a wedding in the making.  Can’t ye hear ‘em?  Say you’ll attend, and we’ll dance together afterward.”  Grond knew the risk of this talk - with one he wanted near him and who wanted him near - but, he mused, what is life without risk?  He paused and she was silent and they stood that way for a few breaths.  For that time, Grond felt as alert for danger as he had felt the first time he had ventured into Castle Karstaag so many years ago.  Were she to ask what would happen after the wedding, then, Grond knew, there would be trouble.

Finally Failan spoke.  “I’ll attend," she said, "and we shall dance, but not the Skyrim Jig.”    

“O no, milady – we’ll dance right fine!" Grond wondered if this remarkable woman had felt his tension.  He wondered if her equally remarkable answer was designed to avoid the combat for which Grond had readied himself.  But the moment passed, and with it did the alert.  "Now," continued the Nord, "I’d kinda like to mix me up a potion, and you might help me think of some present for the two poor… I mean the happy couple.”

Failan turned back to him then. “Aye, but first," she purred, "this talk of ours has made me quite thirsty.  Now, I need another drink.  Come!”

And Failan led him back, through the Tavern and to the basement.  

Perhaps an hour later, when they had slaked their thirst, Failan lay upon the bed while Grond sorted through his bottles.  Grond had just voiced a thought of giving the bride and groom a gift of paired Claymores.  Failan snorted.  “A weapon’s no gift for a couple newly wed, you ass!  Can you find a pair of horses?”

“Already got ‘em," replied the Nord, "and weird and fine ones too.  What’s this one?” he asked himself, eyeing an unmarked vial of some greenish flakes.  The Nord brought the vial to his mouth, but Failan warned, “Hey!  Sniff it, do not taste it!”  He shrugged, smiled at her and sniffed the vial, pinched his nose, and, capping it, put it aside.

“I think we’ll need some protection, if this stuff truly sends you somewhere.  Ahh, some Bloodgrass to start.  Lovely, Chameleon, Health Fortifier, and Resist Paralysis. Gotta get rid of the Burden effect, though.  Let’s see, what else?  Oi!  Oh right – a bit of Wisp Core – now where was that?  Ahhh, there she be -  And another, let’s think…”

“Daedra Silk…”

“Nice choice!  Er, what about livestock?  I could get me hands on a gross of sheep.  Here 'tis!  Daedra Silk is good.  Yes, easy to take out the Burden and the Endurance Damage.  Couple more…right, Wisp Core, for Light, and Chameleon and restoring Intelligence, for I was a tad stupider when I come back.”

“I could not tell, for if you'd bring sheep to a wedding, you're truly addle-minded.”  smiled Failan.

“Hey now,” growled Grond, in a feigned warning.  “One more, and that’s Screaming Maw.”

“Huh?”

“One day I’ll tell ye about my visit to the Shivering Isles.  There!  I think that should do 'er!”

The frost scrapings had not yet thawed, even after nearly half a day of sitting in a vial.  Failan watched with smiling admiration as the thick hands of the Nord daintily collected a bit of the blue ice onto a tiny spatula and scraped it clean into his mortar.  

"How about gold?"  offered Grond.

"How about trying harder?"  returned Failan.

Shrugging, he went to each of the other ingredients he had chosen, added a bit of each, and proceeded to smash them together with the pestle, until they formed a lumpy paste.  Taking a candle from the bedstand – and drumming Failan’s bare midsection with his fingers as he crossed her to reach it – he lit tiny fires beneath his three Expert machines.  “Retort for enhancing positives,” he said, “Alembic for reducing negatives.  Calcinator for all to go up.  Here endeth the lesson!”

“Thank Mara!” exclaimed Failan.

Grond cast a mock furious look toward her, “Oi, yer a naughty one you are!”  He finished pouring the paste into the last machine, and leapt upon her.  “This drink I be making here,” he said into Failan’s throat, “not only will send me somewhere, but 'twill also light me way and hide me a bit till I can figure out where I be.  But what will I name it?”

“Bluefire Frost,”  said Failan, breathlessly.

[WhoGuru]

Red watched Sherena walk back to William, her face still aflame and the two lovers leave the Tavern out the back.  She chuckled to herself at the woman's naivete and obvious deep love for her soon to be husband.  She was sure little else but true love could have forced her to ask such embarrassing questions.  She shook her head and wondered if she had ever been that innocent.

She quickly answered herself, no, with a snort and settled back with the fine cup of meade Arlow placed at her elbow with a wink.  He'd overheard some of the more interesting bits of the conversation refilling the ladies cups.  Red waved him off and pondered what the wedding would be like.  She'd never been present for two friends sealing their union and had no idea what role she would play in such an affair.  Weddings had never been a dream of hers and she felt quite lost on the subject.

A messenger entered the Tavern then, his clothes askew and a harried look on his face.  His glance took in the few patrons in the bar and settled on Red.  "Excuse me, Lady."  He swept a battered cap from his head.  "I come from the city.  There's been a...well problem and help is needed.  Do you know of any adventurers looking for work?"

Red was curious despite her wish for a quiet evening.  She studied him closely.  His clothes were those of a wealthy servant despite their current state, his master must be rich indeed to afford such.  "Do you serve the Count?"  She asked warily.  Another run in with that one was the last thing the Tavern needed.  The man quickly shook his head.

"No, lady.  I serve Lord Fenner Llervu.  He bids me say his daughter has gone missing and is in need of an adventurer to find her."  He was obviously distraught.  Red had never heard of this Lord, though there were many in the city.  She looked round the Tavern, seeing that everyone seemed to be elsewhere.  Will and Sherena had left on another walk it seemed while Grond had descended to his cellar room to distill his potion.  Shamus had wandered off somewhere again along with the new girl, Sharon.  Echo was snoring loudly by the fire and she shrugged.

"I'll come see your Lord."  She smiled and saw him breathe a sigh.  "let me get my horse."  She stopped Arlow then and asked him to pass the message that she had gone to see this Lord Llervu at his manor.  Heading outside, she found the messenger already on his horse and waiting with barely restrained urgency.  Savior was quickly saddled and they set out together at a fast pace toward the city.

Within an hour, they reached the city and the messenger led around it's outer walls to her surprise, to a large estate at the rear of the city.  It actually butted up against the city walls themselves, a great manor house in the Morrowind style.  Sloping rooves, exterior stairs and even a rooftop veranda where Red could see several guards keeping watch over the approach.

Their horses were taken at the gate and she was led inside the sprawling house to a large chamber off the entry hall.  Fenner Llervu waited for her there.  He was a typical Dunmer in many ways and richly clothed in a deep blue that emphasized his dark skin and pure white hair.  He stood before a mammoth hearth as if holding court and Red disliked him on sight.  His eyes traveled the length of her, taking her measure and he frowned, turning to the messenger.

"Is this the best you could do?"  He asked, voice dripping with disdain.  The messenger cowered and backed out of the room in a low bow.  Lord Fenner turned to Red then who stopped just short of sneering at him.

"You know."  She began.  "When you're asking the kindness of strangers, perhaps insulting them straight off is not the way to begin."  She flicked a finger over her shoulder.  "I can leave and be sure no one I know is available to help you should your messenger come looking again."

He turned several shades of deep crimson as he stared at her and finally, grinding his teeth, nodded.  "I...apologize.  I am simply overcome with worry."  He gestured to a chair by the fire and Red, being her most diplomatic, swallowed the smart response and sat instead.  Fenner remained standing over her.  "My daughter has recently gone missing.  Sedave is a silly slip of a girl and does not understand the N'wah of this land."  He frowned at Red.  "No offense."

"Mmm hmm.  That remains to be seen.  Why haven't you asked the watch for help?"  She had a real distaste for this man and felt for the girl wherever she was.

He shrugged.  "They looked, or claimed too.  We are Dunmer and not well received by the Count of these lands."  He stalked the room now and turned back to her.  "She must be found.  I have sent men already to track her but they have not returned.  I fear she may be dead and I must know."

Even disliking him so, she could not steel her heart against a defenseless girl lost in the wilds somewhere.  "Tell me where she was last seen and what she looks like."

Fenner smiled slightly then.  "There is an ancient abandoned Fort several hours from here, Fort Hastrel I think it was once called."

Red nodded. "I know the place I think."  She had always steered clear of it.  Her one time foray into it's depths had gotten her less than a hundred meters inside before stumbling on a nest of vampires.  She had retreated unseen.  "Surely she wouldn't go in?"  Aghast at the thought.

Lord Llervu shook his head.  "No, she was afraid of those places, but her horse was last seen in that area."

"She may have been taken then."  Red said softly.  If she was going to explore the old Fort in search of the girl, she would need help.  "What does she look like?"

Fenner took a cameo from the mantle of the hearth and handed it to her.  The young woman pictured was slight of build as most Dunmer and had her fathers' face but her hair was the deep, blood red that only Dunmer were born with.  She always felt a slight envy of that color and smiled.  

"She's lovely.  May I borrow this?"  She asked politely.  When he nodded, she tucked it within her jerkin.  "I'll get some backup and we'll do our best to find your daughter, Lord Llervu."  Red still did not like the man, he rang alarm bells for her but she pushed it aside.  He thanked her shortly and Red showed herself out, not wishing to subject the messenger to his Lords' presence again.

Outside, her horse was brought and she headed once more back to the Tavern.  This time to enlist the aide of any willing to brave a vampire infested fort with her.

[WhoGuru]

Red was nearly to the Tavern when she heard a horse's hooves behind her.  Turning Savior smartly, she had her Dread blade drawn when the messenger appeared around the last bend and rode swiftly too her.

"My lady."  He said, and bowed clumsily in the saddle.  My master bade me accompany you."

Red fumed.  This man was no fighter, did not even carry a weapon.  She shook her head.  "You may come with me to the Tavern but that is as far as you go."  He opened his mouth to argue and she raised a hand, silencing him.  "You would die quickly where we must go.  You can stay at the Tavern while we're gone and Lord Llervu need never know you didn't actually come along."  

With that, she turned, ending the discussion as he sputtered and led the way.  Once more as she entered the Tavern yard, the same stable hand was there with a rueful grin for her.  "More adventures, Ma'am?"  He asked with a smile and, producing a carrot for Savior, headed off her pithy response.  She smiled instead and nodded, thanking him for caring for her horse.

She strode into the Tavern with the messenger in tow and with luck, found Sherena and William sitting once more by the fire, heads tilted together as they talked softly.  "Will, Sherena."  She greeted and took a seat near them.  Will glanced at the stranger behind her with a raised brow.

"Making new friends, Red?"  He sat back, studying the man and came to the same conclusions Red had.  "Arlow said you'd gone to Lord Llervu's estate."

"Yes."  She told them what he had said, about his missing daughter and produced the picture.  Now she turned to the messenger and pinned him with a stare.  "Since you came along, you can tell us what your master didn't."

"I don't understand."  He said, shuffling his feet.  Red smiled and wagged a finger at him.

"Young women do not go riding in the high country near dangerous ruins for no reason.  She ran away."  Red watched his face flush and grinned.  "Why did she run away?"

"Why indeed."  Will commented, amused at the deft way Red was handling him.  The messenger squirmed under her scrutiny and finally, his resolve to remain silent crumbled.

"She's in love."  He said softly and scowled.  "Some fellow none of the household has ever met.  She became acquainted with him in the city.  They were much thrown together at salon parties.  Her father objected."

"Not enough reason to run into the wilds."  Will added, nodding at Red.  She stared at the messenger again.

"Lord Llervu plans to marry his daughter to an Ashlander tribe in Morrowind.  There are some trading rights the Urshilaku will only part with over a gift of marriage."  

"Ahhh."  Red said and now knew she hated Fenner Llervu.  "He would sell his own daughter for profit."  Though her tone was mild, sparks lit in her eyes and made the messenger gasp as he saw them.  Will placed a hand on her shoulder, gently pulling her back.  He knew some small measure of her past, that she had been sold to the brotherhood and understood the fire that now burned in her eyes.

"This man she loves."  Will said, pulling the messenger's attention to himself.  "Is she not with him?"  The man swallowed noisily, flicking glances at the angry redhead.

"We can not find him, Sir.  We've looked."  He stared at the floor.  "In fact, we have found no one who knows who he is, nor where he comes from."

"I have a bad feeling."  Red said then, starting when Sherena gently touched her hand.  She looked up and shook herself.  "There's no reason for her to run off into the middle of nowhere like that."  She watched the messenger closely for a moment then looked at Will instead.  "Unless she thought she'd be meeting someone out there at that Fort."

Will nodded.  He'd reached the same conclusion.  "The Vampires."  He said simply and Red smiled grimly.  

"An unknown suitor that no one knows, no one can find?"  She stood then, going to stare into the fire.  "I know where she is."

"Where!"  The messenger gasped.  "Please lady if you know we must go now!  Her father will want her back as soon as possible!"  Red muttered something dark from the fireplace and Will waved the messenger to silence.  He doubted, even if they found the girl, that Red would be handing her back to a father that sought to sell her.  More likely, they'd be arranging for her safe disappearance to parts unknown.

"You must go."  William said to the messenger then.  "We have work to do.  You will only be in the way."

"But....Lord Llervu said..."  He argued and Will cut him off.

"I do not care what your Lord said.  You're leaving."  He took the mans arm and escorted him to the door, all but tossing him out.  He went to Red then.  "Are you alright?"  She nodded, stepping back from the fire.  She had practically been standing in the hearth and he could feel the heat from her clothes though she seemed unaware of it.

"I'm fine.  That girl may not be.  We need to leave soon."  She smiled to try and remove the worry from Will's eyes.  "What about Grond?  Is he still here?"

"Yes."  Sherena said.  "Downstairs I think, with Failan.  I'll go get him."  She rose and hugged Red briefly before she left.  She could not stand the pain she'd seen on the woman's face.  She'd looked so alone, so bereft for a moment.  She smiled now at Sherena and sat back down.  

"We'll leave soon."  He sat across from her and studied her.  "You don't mean to return her if we find her alive do you?"  Red jerked and then laughed softly.

"That transparent am I?"  She shrugged once more, sadly.  "We can always tell Lord Llervu we didn't find her in time.  Or didn't find her at all.  I wont return her to that."  Red glared into the fire.  "I wont be a part of selling her off."

"Nor will we."  William agreed and was happy to see some of the tension drain out of her.  "We'll find her, Red.  One way or the other and we'll make sure she never has to know what that feels like."  Red nodded and they waited for the others to come.

[grond]

Sherena returned with the Nord and Failan close behind her.  The Bosmer's face had a ruddy cast about it, and she was smiling.  “My dear,” said William, “Are you well?”  Sherena nodded, still smiling.

The party made ready for the journey, filling their packs with the speed of experienced adventures well used to preparing for the unknown.  As they did so, then left the Tavern, Red told Grond of her meeting with Lord Llervu.  Sherena fell in line as they left, beside Failan, as they came to the stables.  William strode behind them.  He could not quite make out that which they whispered to each other, but as they came to the horses, he heard Sherena thank the tall village chieftain.  

Failan, in turn, said, “You’re quite welcome, dear, and I again apologize for our state in the basement.  You’ll find that modesty passes with the years.”  They eyed Grond as he strung his saddle and bags upon the grey stallion Mik, and leaping upon his back, made ready to ride, clad only in the fur greaves.  “More so for some than others,” added Failan.

The company rode north and west.  They were arranged this way: Red rode Savior at the lead, then, close behind came Thunder and Star, the mystical steeds bearing William and Sherena, and behind rode Failan, Echo, and Grond.  Together the party drove like an arrowhead through the forested hills.  Creatures ran from them as they rode, hard behind the flaming hair of their friend.

Soon they came to the campsite near the Fort, called on their maps Ales.  The solitary bandit there was sleeping in a tent.  The arrival of the six warriors woke him, and he scurried away without resistance, but in his terror, he tripped over a tree’s root, and tumbled down the hill.  William looked down at the still form and said, “That should teach you.”

They had come to the camp as the sun lowered itself behind the hills of Hammerfell, and there they rested briefly before they ventured into the Fort.  The moons, waxing toward full, gave them light by which to see the ruins of Fort Hastrel below them, down a steep hill, and the Necromancers altar at its front.  They readied themselves, checking their gear.  

All but Failan.  She drew Grond aside.  

“I’ll not be joining you,” she said.  They held each other briefly.  “When we have found this girl,” replied the Nord, “I’ll come to you, and together we might visit Mora’s Shrine.”  They spoke other soft words to each other until Red called to Grond that they were ready.  Grond watched Failan ride hard away, then he turned and took his hammer and a light satchel from their places on Mik’s saddle.  

As the sun finally fell in the west, the five figures stole down the hillside toward the Fort.  They came to the Altar and Grond made ready to smash it with his hammer, but William stopped him, saying simply, "Afterward."  

A solitary skeleton came at the adventurers from the crumbling stone stair.  Echo easily dispatched the rickety monster.  Then from behind the Fort came an Ogre, stomping toward them, snorting and huffing as it approached.  The group fanned out around it.  Echo landed four arrows into its thick hide, as did Sherena, while Grond and William charged it from opposite sides, Grond with his hammer high, William with his armor enveloping him and his twin blades rising from his hands.  Between them came a flare, cast by Red.  It landed squarely on the monster's chest, and the Ogre fell.  Grond and William stopped short and turned to Red.  The Imperial brushed her hands together before her, and said, "You're welcome."

They entered, Echo leading with one torch, followed by Red, then came William and Sherena, and Grond took up the rear, holding another torch.   They came upon a form a few feet from the entrance.  A lone adventurer had perished there.  The rotting corpse lay crumpled upon a rolled-up bedroll.  Echo paused to search it, and came away with a few gold coins and a lockpick.  Red nudged the thief with impatience and they continued along the straight corridor.

Knowing this Ruin was a lair for Vampires, they all readied their silver or enchanted weapons.  Red brandished the Dread Blade, Echo held a silver scimitar at the ready, and he had found two Arrows of Ember along the hall.  He happily put them into his quiver.  Sherena held the enchanted longsword she had found in the catacombs where she had met William.  She held it with some confidence now, its blue wavy blade sparkling with magickal enchantments.  William strode empty-handed, for his weapons would come as needed.  And Grond had his hammer back.

All within was silent, save for the high-pitched voices of rats, an occasional drip of water, and the low hum of Grond.  Very quietly, he hummed a quiet mournful tune as he walked.  All was otherwise quiet, but not for long.

[WhoGuru]

The group went slowly down the hall, Red walking close to Echo, eyes alert for any signs of a trap.  They reached a fork in the hall and Red looked to them.  

"We split up I think."  Will said.  "We don't know how much time Sedave has.  One of us must find her quickly."  Grond nodded. He tapped Red on the shoulder and raised a brow.

"Aye, we'll head straight."  She said softly.  "Grond and I.  Will, you Sherena and Echo take the right?"

"We'll handle it."  He agreed.  "And meet you in the vampire's chamber somewhere below."  Their group divided and Grond and Red headed on down the hall.  As they reached the entrance of a larger chamber, she stopped with Grond, pointing to her ear and into the chamber.  She had heard something moving within.  Grond hefted his hammer and they stalked into the chamber in silence, each taking a different path around the pillars.

Red rounded one and found a vampire before her.  It was facing away and she crept behind it, ready to strike it down, just as Grond came into sight on the other side.  The undead creature hissed and flew at the Nord, hands outstretched and fangs bared.  Grond brought his hammer up in a low swing and struck the creature in the jaw.  It flew backwards with great force and Red ducked as he sailed over her into the wall.  The creature slid to the floor and lay dead, it's skull crushed and she grinned at Grond.

"That was for the Ogre wasn't it?"  She asked on a quiet laugh.  Grond chuckled, cleaning his hammer and gestured to the next door.  Red nodded, still smiling and grasped the handle.  Just as quickly, she pulled her hand away and stepped back from the door.  "Trap."  She said to Grond and her eyes followed something he could not see as she tracked her eyes up the wall and to the ceiling.

He followed her and gasped softly, shaking his head.  "That would have left a mark."  He said and clapped Red on the shoulder.  Three massive Mace's dangled from the ceiling on tenuous chains and would have crashed into the wall and them had Red opened the door.  "Trip it?"  He asked.

She shook her head, rubbing her shoulder with a wry grin for him.  "Not if I can help it.  The noise would bring anything else in this ruin down on us."  She bent to the door and Grond waited impatiently while she felt along the frame near the handle.  Finally, she withdrew a slender probe from the pouch at her waist and slipped it into the crack between the door and it's frame.  After several seconds, she drew it out, a tripwire coming with it and she expertly snapped the wire free of the door and grinned.  "Shall we?"  She opened the door with a flourish and the Maces stayed where they were.  

They stepped through into another long hall, Red leading the way, alert for more traps as they passed quickly.

[grond]

Grond picked up the torch he had dropped, and he and Red ventured down the dark hall. They heard a hiss from the other end. Grond made ready to charge toward it, but Red waved at him, and raised a finger.

She raised the other arm and vanished from Grond's sight. He heard her whisper, "Go," and the Nord charged down the dark hall toward the hiss. He saw nothing. He swung the torch underhand and let it fly before him down the hall. It bumped an invisible shape and scattered flaming sparks. A vampire took shape as he charged, then as Grond neared it, the creature vanished again. He ran through the spot where the monster had stood, and into a vestibule of sorts, where there were three closed doors.

Turning swiftly, Grond felt an invisible blade slice his shoulder. He swung the hammer but hit nothing. The Nord backpedalled so that he leaned against a damp wall, hammer poised, his blue eyes searching the dimly lit chamber.

His senses were heightened so that he heard the tiny intake of breath made by the invisible vampire as it came near to him. Grond dove to his left, hammer in one hand, and rolled to his feet in time to view the vampire, now brightly visible, as flames raced over its hideous form. It began to shriek, a horrible sound, but satisfying to the Nord. He saw Red, also visible, her hands still afire from the flames she had sent. She plunged the Dread Blade into the monster's heart. The thing collapsed in a burning heap, finally silent.

The friends came together near the burning body. Red quickly laid her hands upon the Nord's wound, and it vanished. There was only time for the Nord to utter "Thank-" before two of the three doors opened and a line of figures swept toward them. The friends ran to opposite sides of the vestibule. Grond's blood turned cold as he saw many Wraiths floating toward him, and, behind, a number of the vile stomping corpses - Zombies - approaching slowly.

Quick as lightning, Red had sheathed her blade and had let at least a dozen arrows fly toward the approaching enemies. They flew straight through the Wraiths and scored heavily on two of the zombies, who fell, giving the Imperial time to draw her blade again and slash at the wraiths.

Grond, laughing to heat his blood, charged past the wraiths, who tried their Frost spells against him, to little avail. The Nord followed Red's arrows into the crowd of zombies, his swift swings bowling the undead over, knocking rotting heads from necks, crushing chests where hearts sat, still, empty of blood. The Nord seemed enraged by the corrupted life, and his vehemence approached cruelty as, laughing, he kicked at the undead as they rose again, after he had felled them once with his hammer.

Meanwhile, Red raised her free hand and let fly flares that sizzled as they hit their ghostly marks. She followed each flare with expert swings of the dread blade. She dodged each ball cast by her foes. Ectoplasm, dropped by the fallen wraiths, began to cover the whole of the vestibule's floor, as Red fought with an impatience not customary to her. She wanted to reach the girl, and her fighting reflected her need. Yet she was silent, contrary to the loud Nord.

Soon the zombies lay strewn about the vestibule. Grond turned to aid Red, but found that, instead, he was able to watch her as she finished her swift battle dance. She seemed fey to the Nord, as if her death, should it come, mattered not.

Finally she stood breathing heavily before the door which had not opened. Grond came to her then and in the cold light of the glowing ectoplasm, looked upon her face. She had a grim look, and the fires within her flared brightly in her eyes. "Let them pray that she is unharmed," said the Nord.

"Such things as these don't pray," replied Red. With that, she opened the door.

[WillieSea]

William lead Sherena and Echo down the two sets of steps and into a short passage. William was more accustomed to the silent form of attack, and instructed Echo to put the torch out and remain as silent as he could.

In the sudden darkness, William’s eyes quickly adjusted to the low light levels. Sherena gasped behind him. William quickly went to her and she looked him in the eyes and whispered excitedly, “I can see! I can see in the dark!”

In the darkness, William could just make out the faint tracers of energy flowing from his ring to Sherena’s. Looking up at Sherena again, he said, “Of course, we are now as one, we share our abilities now!”

William gave her a quick kiss and was surprised by the ‘unusual’ kiss he received back! Sherena then smiled and said, “Failan told me how to do that...” Her voice trailed off as she looked away. William imagined her blushing and smiled back at her and took her chin in his hand facing her to him, “I liked it!” Sherena smiled again and once more they kissed.

Echo harrumphed near them, startling the couple back to reality. Realizing that they had to make haste, William squeezed Sherena’s hand and instructed her to help Echo through the dark corridors.

The short tunnel came to a ‘T’ intersection. The right tunnel became rough stone and dropped down an incline to a lower level. The left tunnel continued in worked stone and around a corner, two more sets of stairs led the left tunnel further downward. An occasional grunt or screech echoed up from the right tunnel, which helped William make a decision to head down the left passage.

After descending the two sets of stone steps, William advanced ahead of the Echo and the guiding Sherena. William was comfortable in the shadows and as silent as a master of stealth could be. As he came to the bottom of the last set of stairs, a tunnel on the right of the rough stonework connected back with the main tunnel. The same grunts and screeches could be heard echoing up from this new tunnel. William smiled, he had taken the shortcut.

He advanced slowly, keeping a wary eye ahead of himself as well as checking on the status of Sherena and the almost blind Echo. A glow appeared in front of William, stopping him in his tracks. He motioned for Sherena to stop as well as he checked out the new threat.

William advanced slowly on the glowing humanoid shape, using his life sense to keep track of it. Suddenly, it walked towards the doorway of the room it was in, and into William’s sight at the end of the passage he was in. William gritted his teeth and a bow was suddenly in his hand. An arrow appeared in his other hand, a brown wooden shaft with quadruple silver blades at its tip. Of all the creatures in the world, William despised Vampires the most! They were less than leaches and deserved no mercy or remorse. This one would die quickly.

William pulled back on the massive bow as hard as he could and aimed at the Vampires chest, its heart. Concentrating, the creature seemed to be closer, making William’s aim perfectly centered. There was a slight twang as the arrow was released, but the arrow hit the Vampire in the chest and through the heart in an instant. The arrow then exited the back of the Vampire and smashed into the wall behind it, where it vanished in a puff.

The Vampire hissed and barred its fangs as it looked down in shock at its chest and felt the hole that was now there. Looking up and down the hall, it watched transfixed as another bolt struck it between the eyes, sending the foul creature crashing against a crypt where it laid splayed out over it.

William resisted the urge to send another deadly arrow into the Vampire’s corpse. He instead advanced into the room and grabbed the corpse and sent flames into it. The flames turned blue and released no smoke or sound as it devoured the Vampire leaving only a small pile of ashes.

William pulled out a small black bag he kept in his adventuring backpack and scooped the ashes into it, closed it and replaced it in his pack. Sherena and Echo came up then and looked down at what William was doing.

“These ashes will be taken to the monastery where they will be properly destroyed. There will be no resurrection for this or any Vampire I ever find.” William said vehemently with fire blazing in his eyes.

Echo lit a torch so they could search the room. William looked around the dimly lit room searching for the exit and found none. Puzzled, he looked up and saw a bridge overhead with a passage leading either way out of the room.

William jumped on top of a stone coffin and leaped for the ledge of the bridge above him. Grabbing hold of the side, he swung himself until he was able to leap onto the bridge surface.

Smiling, he lowered a rope down to the others. Echo threw the torch up to William who set it on the bridge. He then pulled the two up to him. Looking down the passages, one ended in a cave in, the other had a door set in it.

Picking the doorway, William quickly checked it for any nasty surprises and found none. He then quietly opened the door and advanced slowly. Several sets of stairs lead downwards and appeared to exit into a large chamber. William motioned to Echo again where he quickly extinguished the torch. A dim light seemed to illuminate the passage and the room beyond. The three silently advanced towards the chamber ahead.

[WhoGuru]

Red and Grond entered the chamber cautiously.  It was dimly lit by scarce torches that provided not near enough light for the massive chamber.  At the back of the chamber, on a dais surrounded by moth eaten tapestries, stood a Vampire.

He was richly dressed and held a young woman in the curve of his arm.  His eternally youthful face sneered at them as they came towards him, weapons drawn and the woman whimpered.  Red saw it was Sedave.  She trembled visibly in his grasp and stared with wide eyes at them.

"Welcome to my home."  The vampire greeted them.  He squeezed Sedave and she whimpered more loudly.  "I am Nyast, the Patriarch of this clan, and you have come to your deaths here."

"I think not."  Grond growled.  He stalked forward, hammer swinging menacingly.  "Release the girl now."  Red used the distraction to get closer to the two, ready to pull her free if Grond could distract him.  Suddenly, Sedave bit down on Nyast's arm, viciously cutting through his skin and he screamed, releasing her.  She ran to Red instantly, dodging behind her as the Vampire howled and threw sparks at Grond to stop his advance.  Just then, William, Sherena and Echo entered from the other side, weapons drawn and made to attack Nyast.

"Stop!"  He bellowed.  "Or the woman dies!"

Will laughed.  "You've lost her already fool.  You have no more chips to bargain with."

"Oh I think I do."  Nyast grinned fangs at Will then and pointed.  Will heard a strangled cry from Red and turned to find her held fast by Sedave.  The young Dunmer woman had pressed herself to Red's back, one arm crossed her chest holding her fast while the other held her head, pulling her neck at a painful angle.  Sedave's head was fastened to Red's throat and Will could see two small lines of blood streaming from her mouth.  "Sedave will rip out the woman's throat if I tell her too."  He laughed loudly.  "Though she may do so anyway, she is newly dead and their hunger is not so easily controlled."

Red whimpered, trying to struggle and stopped when Sedave bit down harder.  She could feel the blood flowing into her neck and into the young vampire as if it were drawing a line to her wildly beating heart.  She could just see Will's furious eyes, wreathed in flames as he tried to decide what to do, how to save her.  Red was drowning in pity for the woman, barely even that, feeding at her neck.  To escape a life of virtual slavery, she had fallen to a vampire.  All hope was gone from her and Red knew, death was the only freedom she would ever know now.

She heard Nyast taunting her friends, daring them to test his resolve, but Will's eyes remained locked on hers and the thing drawing her life's blood slowly away.  He would do nothing, she knew, until she was safe.  Red closed her eyes, drawing her magic up and hoped she could do consciously what she'd once done only on instinct.  She fed warmth to the vampire, willing it into her blood, to flow into her mouth and into her body.  She could feel the heat coursing from her into Sedave.  The vampire grunted, worried her neck in confusion and Red screamed involuntarily from the pain.  Now anger and fear helped her find the control she needed.  Her magic drove into Sedave then and the vampire released her finally, screaming wordlessly to stumble back.

"What have you done?"  Nyast yelled as Red stumbled to the floor, slapping a hand over neck.  Behind her, she felt the sudden burst of heat as Sedave burst into flames, burning to ash in seconds.  Will needed no prompting.  He leaped at the Vampire Patriarch, blades swinging.  The vampire met the assault, a massive Claymore appearing in his hands and he fended off the first assault.  They dueled furiously on the dais, driving each other back and forth.  Nyast had lived for centuries and his skill with a blade was at least equal to Willliam's.  Nyast dodged a fire spell Will threw at him, countering with a spell of his own and Will felt the bolt of lightning glance from his armor with a physical punch, throwing him backwards.  He threw his blades up, defending himself from a sweep of the vampires sword that would have taken his head.  He was becoming desperate, needing to finish the fight soon, lest the demon best him and he worried that he might.  His skill was that great.

Behind the vampire, the tapestries shivered, moved and two Bosmer stumbled from behind them.  Red's one time kidnappers we're in rags, covered in bites and to Will's eye, somewhat delirious.  They saw the vampire and both screamed at once, rushing across the dais to strike him.  It was the distraction Will needed.  Nyast turned to meet this new assault and Will thrust his sword deeply into the vampire's chest.  As Nyast crumpled to his knees with a cry, Will withdrew his sword and leveled a horizontal swipe that severed his head, sending it into the wall with a sickening thud to slide down and rest on the floor, sightless eyes staring out at his slayer.

Agarond and Glaum came to a startled halt, staring at the head and then at Will.  With twin cries of dismay, they recognized him from the forest and before he could say anything, they ran from the chamber together in terror.  Will shook his head, amazed to be alive and turned to find the others.  Red was near the entrance of the chamber and three dead vampires lay at her feet, a fourth trying to reach past her dagger.  Will had been so preocupied with the fight, he had not even heard the other vampires enter the room, nor the others' defense of him as he fought.  Grond, Sherena and Echo were on the other side of the chamber, slaying a small pack of the lesser vampires with ease.  Will went quickly to Red's aid now, skewering the vampire before it even realized it's danger.  It fell dead and Red staggered to Will, a dazed smile on her face.  

"I had him."  She said on a giggle.  "I was just playing with him."  Will chuckled and took her arms, seeing the blood still trickling from her neck.  She was deathly pale from the blood loss, making the red of her hair stand out even more.  He sent healing into her through his hands, feeling the wounds on her neck as a burning pain and the dizziness that, for a second, sucked at him as well.  She was staring at the remains of Sedave, tears in her eyes.  "I wanted to save her."  She said softly.  He felt that pain too, a deep and open wound his healing could not touch that was her early life and suffered a bit for her.

She was steadier now.  Feeling her neck, the bite was gone, healed over and her head clearing.  Will's eyes were still slightly unfocused from his healing of her and she smiled.  "Thank you."  She held him steady now while his head cleared and he smiled.

The others, their enemies slain, came to them.  Grond sighed.  "Her father is not going to be happy."  He said ruefully.  Red nodded and headed for the back of the chamber.  "Where are you going?"

She turned back with a shadow of her usual grin.  "Centuries old Vampire lair, there just has to be something worth taking out of here."  She came to the tapestries and with a strong jerk, pulled one from it's pinnings.  It fluttered to the floor revealing a massive chest.  "Knew it.  They always keep it where they can see it."  Will chuckled softly while the thief quickly finessed the lock.  Opening the heavy lid, she whistled appreciatively and the others came to look over her shoulder.  

The chest was filled with weapons, short blades, clothing, jewelry, even a small shield propped in the back.  It gleamed lightly in the dim light and Red picked it up and held it out to Will.  "About the right size for Sherena I should think."  She smiled.  "We'll call it my wedding gift.  Wonder what the enchantment is?"  He laughed outright now and turned to hand the shield to Sherena.  Her face flushed with pleasure as she took the artifact, studying the intricate carvings on it's face.

In the bottom of the chest, Red unearthed a bow, gleaming softly with a familiar blue light she had only seen in Ayleid ruins.  She held it close to her face in awe.  "Is that Welkynd stone?"  William ran a finger along the bow and it was indeed the ancient stone.  "Oh this one is mine."  Red said with a pleased smile.  She pulled a string from her bag, quickly stringing the bow and set it over her shoulder with a satisfied smirk.  A brilliant replacement for her Goblin bow.

Grond then stepped forward and reached into the chest with a large grin.  "Now this is more my style!"  He came out with a massive Steel War Axe that, like Sherena's shield, emitted a soft flash of enchantment in his hand.  He gave the weapon an experimental swing and grinned more broadly.  "Need to find something to test the enchantment on.  Did we leave anything standing on our way down?"

The group laughed, pleased with their treasures, though Red sent one more sorrowful glance at the remains of Sedave.  They left the chamber finally with heavier purses than when they'd entered and set off to deliver the bad news to Lord Llervu.

[grond]

“Are we prepared then to leave this place?” cried William in a loud voice, so that any others left standing - besides their party - would hear him.  Grond looked to him and shouted, “Aye!”  but Red stood near the great casket, casting her eye along the floor and the stone fixtures, as if searching for something.

“Half a moment!” shouted Echo, who had ducked into a corner of the vile chamber.  They had given the thief ‘dibs’ as he said, on any jewelry, and although William had found a ring, of some metal that seemed to shine like a sunrise, the rest of the jewelry in the chamber filled Echo’s pouch and pockets.  Yet the Thief gave a cry of joy, and when he came to where the others stood waiting, they saw that he had found something which set their hearts to ease.  It was a wheel of white cheese.

William strode to where Red now crouched, and put a hand gently on the woman’s shoulder.  “What is it?” he asked.   Rising, she held a worn cameo, much like the one that Llervu had given Red, of his daughter.  This one had lain opened in the dust, and had been trampled on.  Much of the face of the one pictured within had been ripped away, but still, Red knew who it was, and who had once held it.  “This is proof we found her,” Red said without emotion.

“Now then,” said William, as if he were about to lead a solemn parade of soldiers through civil streets, “if the rest of you will lead the way, Red and I would like to pay our final respects to this horrible place!”  William motioned for Grond and Echo to go out the door through which William and his party had entered, then he bade Sherena stand between Red and himself.

Grond stopped Echo as they stood in the doorway and watched as the Breton flung out his arms, and as he did, a stream of golden fire issued from his hands, and it laved the stone floor and sent the rich carpets there aflame.  Red spread her arms and did likewise, and to the golden fire there was added crimson flames, and together they roared through the chamber floor, and the walls themselves began to catch fire in the tremendous heat.  

Suddenly a trace of living filament, like the golden flame, leapt from William’s hand to Sherena’s.  The Bosmer lifted her hands in turn and violet flames sprang from her hands, doubling the heat of the flames still stretching from the others.  Bits of stone, loosened in the heat, began to fall, and Grond and Echo backed out as the three backed toward them, their bright flames still flowing.  

Suddenly the ceiling gave way, and the upper floors collapsed onto the flames, and there were beasts and Goblins there, who died among the colorful angry fires.  

Grond and Echo walked forward, and William, Sherena and Red came after, backing slowly out, spraying lines of fire that caught whatever slime had lived on the walls, and sending it to burst into flames, some golden, some crimson, some violet.   Leading them, protecting them, Grond and Echo cut down several Wraiths as they appeared, and many Zombies.  By the time they reached the exit of the Fort, a great roar could be heard as the tremendous heat melted even the sturdy stone pillars and, as they emerged into an early dawn, they watched Fort Hastrel collapse in a great cloud of smoke and fire.  

Red and Sherena fell to the ground as their flames died, and even William was staggered by the effort.  But he bent to help Sherena to her feet, and Grond and Echo helped Red stand, and together they strode to the Necromancer's altar.  

Carefully laying down his new axe, Grond looked at the head of his hammer and spoke to it.  "This is the end, my friend," he said.  "This is your final job.  You are worthy, I deem.  William, heed my posture!"  The Nord braced himself, legs spread wide, and swung as if he were driving a post to the center of Nirn.  The blow he delivered to the altar would have crushed it, had it been ordinary stone.  It was not.  The hammer made a wide vent which split the altar down the middle, and the shock of it sent the Hammer out of Grond's hand and it flew through the air, where it landed at William's feet.  

Bending, William retrieved it and strode to the Altar.  "I have watched you, friend Grond," he said, and Grond saw a reflection in the Breton's eyes which made him dig his knuckles into his own.  A dragon?

Striding to the Altar, William posed much as Grond.  His swing mirrored the Nord's and when it hit the altar, there was a blinding flash of white light, and the altar exploded in a fine shower of dust.  The head of the hammer had been destroyed - when the dust cleared, they saw that William now held a stick in his hands.  He wallked back to where Sherena leaned on Echo.  Passing Grond, he handed the Nord his hammer's haft, and, with a shrug, said, "Sorry."

As they continued toward the hill, Grond called after him, "Well, I started it for ye!"   Laughing, they returned up the hill to the campsite where their horses stood waiting for them.

The tired companions turned to watch the Vampire Lair as it burned.  Grond bid Echo take Red’s full weight, and the Nord went to a barrel he had spied at the camp when they had first come there.  When he returned, Red had found her feet again, as had Sherena.  He passed his discovery to them, one to each.

They drank from bottles of fine ale and stood in the clear morning, looking down upon what they had wrought.

[WhoGuru]

After watching the Fort burn into the ground, they mounted and began the ride back to the Tavern.  Red became quiet as they reached the point where they would split off and she stopped.  Though she had sad news to deliver to Lord Hlervu, she found she still disliked the man and now was not sure of the greeting she would receive.

"Wait."  She said to the others and they pulled up.  "I need..."  She stopped, unused to asking for help.  "I think I need someone to come with me to do this."  She shifted uncomfortably in Savior's saddle and finally looked to Grond.  "Would you come with me?"  Grond seemed surprised and pleased and quickly agreed.  

"We can come as well."  Will said easily with a smile and frowned when Red shook her head.

'No, one is enough.  If we all go, it may look like I came in force."  She smiled to put him at ease.  "This guy would react very badly to that I think."

Will nodded, and wondered if her refusal were really because of the lingering distrust she had now for him.  He cursed his inability to reveal his secrets and the pain it was causing Red.  Sherena reached across and placed a hand on his arm.  "I understand."  Will said finally.  "We'll make for the Tavern and wait for you there."  

Red nodded and she and Grond quickly left the trio behind, turning off toward the city.  Echo kicked his horse into a canter and left for the Tavern while Will still looked after Red and Grond.

"William?"  Sherena asked him, worried.  He was rarely this quiet without reason she'd come to understand and could even feel a shadow of the confusion he was feeling.  He smiled softly at her and nodded towards the city.

"We should follow them."  He said.  "The more I think of how uncomfortable Red is about this Lord Hlervu, the less I like the idea of leaving the two of them alone."  Sherena nodded and touched Will's face.  

"Then we shall follow and be there if they need us."  She smiled tenderly at him and thanked Akatosh once more for sending her this man.  Will kissed her hand and the couple set off after Red and Grond, determined to save them from themselves if need be.

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

Red led the way to the massive estate once more.  As before, two guards stood in the rooftop patio and by the time they reached the gates, handlers were waiting for them.  They dismounted and followed a page into the house.  Red quietly warned Grond that the Dunmer was insulting to say the least and steeled herself for the news she must deliver.

Fenner Hlervu waited for them in the same room, once more by the hearth, a look of disgust on his face.  "I see you have not returned with my daughter."  He scowled at Grond, causing the Nord's nerves to bristle, before turning his fierce, crimson eyes back to Red.  "Where is Sedave?"

Red took the two cameos from her jerkin, the one Fenner had given her and the one she'd recovered in the fort.  "I'm sorry, Lord Hlervu.  Your daughter was taken by vampires inside the Fort."  She handed both to him and he took them with a look of distaste.  "Sedave is dead."  Here the guilt of her part in it reared up to choke her.  Fenner studied Red closely and saw some part of it on her face.  Fury swept through him at the news of her death.  There would be no trading rights now.

"How?"  He asked in a quiet growl, taking a step to tower over Red.  "How did she die?"  

Grond was becoming uncomfortable with the dark elf's attitude and his manner to Red gave him the urge to brandish his new Axe.  "She was turned."  Grond said and stepped to Red, backing her up a step from the Lord and taking her place.  He glared into the man's eyes.  "They turned her into a vampire and she tried to kill us."  No need to mention it had been Red who had actually killed her.  "We gave her peace, as I'm sure you would have wished had you been there."

Lord Fenner stared angrily at Grond, an almost visual aura of violence surrounding him and finally, he stepped back, swallowing the temper with effort.  "Very well."  He said softly.  "Wait here, you deserve payment for what you've done for me."  He left them quickly through a door in the back of the room and Grond heaved a sigh.  Turning, he found Red staring after the man, a strange look on her face.

She took Grond's elbow.  "We need to get out of here."  She said suddenly.  "I don't like the way he worded that."  Her warnings were rarely wrong and just now, she felt an irrational need to be quit of this house.  Grond too now felt some urgency and followed her as she headed for the entry hall.  They had barely stepped out of the room when Fenner returned.  

"Leaving without your reward?"  He asked in a dangerous voice.  Red turned to look at him and gasped.  Four men at arms stood at his back.  "I really must repay you young woman.  I sent you to return my daughter and you come back to me to say she is dead?"  He snapped his fingers and his men fanned out, heading for the two.  "I think you are lying to me.  My daughter told you what I had planned for her.  Where is she?"

Grond backed into the hall to secure their way out and spun to find four more heavily armed men waiting for them.  "Red."  He said.  She turned and saw them, going back to glare her hate at Lord Fenner.

"She is dead.  Burnt to ashes in the ruins of that fort."  She took a step back into the room, hand resting on her blade.  "You drove her to that fate.  Selling her off like a piece of meat."

"She was mine to dispose of as I see fit."  He backed away from the venom and fire he saw in Red's eyes.  "What do you care?"  He asked, standing in the safety of his men.  "She was nothing to you."  Red took another half step into the room, watching the men at arms and ready.  She drew her blade slowly, laying it along her thigh,

"If you make us fight our way out of here, Fenner.  I promise yours will be the first body to hit the floor."  She spoke in a soft voice, making him strain to hear.  His men closed on her, wary of the giant Nord in the door.  

"If you fight, any bodies on the floor will be on your head.  I don't mean to kill you girl."  He sneered at her now.  "I have a trade agreement to complete and I need a bride."  Red felt ice form in her gut and backed up until she bumped into Grond.  "You wont be quite what the Ashkan is expecting but I'm sure he'll accept my...substitution."

"Over yer dead body."  Grond growled.  With that, he swung his Axe and went for the men at arms in the hall.  Red's dagger flashed up and she stepped into the first of Fenner's men, now meaning the Lord's death no matter the cost.  No man would sell her again.  Not while she lived.  

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

Outside, concealed from the guards on the roof, William and Sherena waited to see their friends emerge.  A cry went up from inside the manor and as William watched, the guards on the roof sped down the stairs and into the house.

"Trouble."  He said and strode out and toward the house.  No one was watching the approaches now and he and Sherena quickly took advantage of the lapse.  Whatever was happening, Will knew they would be needed.

[grond]

After sending the fires at Fort Hastrel, Red was still weary.  But the risk of losing her freedom sent wild energy through her.  The four guards approached her as Hlervu ducked down a short hall behind.  The guards wore light Chitin armor, and none wore helmets.  They had not yet drawn their blades.

Red sprang toward the mer, intent on reaching Hlervu.  As she came she fell low, and spun, and her legs swept two of the guards off their feet.  She rolled away and came to her feet, and before the guards left standing could react to her onslaught, Red sprang like fire toward them.  She swung her dagger at one, and its pommel broke the mer’s jaw.  Without a pause she threw a kick behind her at the other, spun to him as he bent, windless, and with both hands, brought the dagger’s handle down onto the base of his bare blue skull.  He fell as the others rose.  She leapt away from them, and raced down the hall, after Hlervu.  

The two guards did not give chase, for they saw that their fellows desperately needed aid against the laughing Nord with the great axe.  They sprang toward Grond’s unprotected back.

When he had seen the mer coming down the entry hall toward them, Grond at first raced across the great room to meet them.  But he stopped himself short and as he did, so did the guards.  Loudly he shouted, in a jovial voice, “This is my new axe!  Just found her this day!”  He brandished it toward them, and they paused as if in some dream – what kind of foe was this? they wondered.  Grond then began a series of elaborate swings and spins with his new axe, trying various attacks against the air.  “Gotta get a feel for a new weapon!” he shouted, and saw that the guards had entered the room and had spread out in a half circle round him, watching with mingled amusement and awe at the bulky Nord’s liquid offensive maneuvers.

Grond heard the sounds of scuffles behind him, and male grunts and cracking of bone.  He stopped then.  Holding the axe at the ready, he said, “Who will be the first?  Who feels his head’s too heavy?”  Laughing, the Nord beckoned them toward him with a wave of his hand.  Then he felt arms take hold of his as the guards behind came to him.  The axe fell to the floor with a bright clang against the tiles.  The other five guards charged the struggling Nord.

Behind them and down a short hallway ran Red, her Dread Blade in her hand.  Passing matrons and maids, who screamed, she chased Hlervu through the Estate.  His boots rang as he charged away from her.  She followed the sounds.  He led her up a flight of stairs, to his suite at the fore of the upper level.  But when he came to a door that was locked, the chase ended.  As he fumbled for a key, Red charged, and sent her weight into him.  The mer huffed loudly as Red pinned him against the door.  She spoke into Hlervu’s pointed ear.  “If I were less a Lady, you turd,” she whispered, “I’d cut your throat where we stand.  But no!”  Taking hold of the Dunmer, by his collar and his belt, Red pulled him back, swung him round, and threw him toward the locked door.  The force of it crashed the Dunmer through the door, and Hlervu fell inside his own bedroom, and sprawled on the floor, stunned.

Back in the great room, Grond was held by two of the six guards.  The other four drew near.   Then the Nord gave a mighty shout, and drew his great arms together, so that the guards flew into one another before him.  He pushed them with all his might into the four others that charged him, and they all fell together.  But Grond, leaping away, found his feet and his axe before the rest could recover.  He stood again, with his axe poised to strike, as they rose angrily.

At that moment the front doors burst open.  Shafts of sunlight streamed into the great room, and there, silhouetted against it, stood William and Sherena.  Both had bows out and arrows nocked, and in Sherena's case, there were three arrows stacked against the bow, and her steady hand held the string back.  “Please, gentlemen,” said the Bosmer, “Drop your weapons.  I know not how long I can hold this bow.”  

The guards obeyed.  Their weapons fell to the floor.  Sherena relaxed her grip, and drew her blue blade.  She corraled the guards so that they stood in a tight bunch between her and Grond.  William’s bow was still held ready.  He rounded the pack of guards and shouted, “Red!”

“Coming!” came her voice from above.  The doors at a balcony across the room swung open.  Hlervu strode slowly to the railing, a bright blade held against his throat.  “My Lord Fenner,” she said loudly from behind, “we must take leave of you now.  See to that guard down there.  I believe I’ve broken the poor fellow’s jawbone.”  She spun him round and put her face close to his.  “If you send others for me,” she muttered, “or any I love, I’ll kill you.”  She spat on the ground at his feet, then laughing, flipped her blade in her hand before him.  Catching it, she leapt over the rail and landed catlike on a wide bookcase.  Then lightly she leaped again and came to William, whose aim was still upon the furious Dunmer.  She smiled at William and together with Grond and Sherena, they turned to leave.

Suddenly out of the corner of his eye, Grond spied the Dunmer lord aiming his own bow their way.  “Oi!,” the Nord shouted.  The others spun round, as Hlervu let an arrow fly toward them.  Before it reached them, Red, William and Sherena each had drawn and fired back, and their arrows landed tightly together in the center of his chest.  Lord Fenner Hlervu died then, and never saw that the arrow he shot fell far short of his mark, but skittered along the expensive Caldera tiles to Red’s feet.

Before they left, Grond strode to a guard.  He took hold of the mer’s breastplate and with a fire in his blue eyes said, “Try to remember how this took place.”  He released the guard and passing another, shoved him out of his way.  They left the estate then, and galloped away.  

Grond laughed as he listened to the others arguing over whose arrow had truly hit the Dunmer first.

[WillieSea]

William and Sherena turned off the road while on the way back to the Tavern, waving their farewells to Grond and Red, both of whom grinned and winked at each other knowingly as they continued on. Red’s snickers and Grond’s hearty laughter could be heard as they continued on their way to the Tavern.

The couple rode a short way into the woods coming to a small spring with a brook running from it down a slope. They dismounted from their horses and gave them free reign where they soon found some succulent grasses to eat.

William spread a blanket on the ground under a great maple tree with a view of the babbling stream and the ocean in the distance. Sherena placed a basket on the blanket as they both sat down next to each other.

William watched the cautious and reserved Sherena set up the picnic lunch they had prepared together. He could sense her feelings when he concentrated upon her. She was like a frozen fire, waiting for the right moment to blaze forth in an engulfing wave of fire and passion.

William touched her arm and felt the tingling sensation she felt, amplified by the same tingling that he felt at the touch. William then ran his hand down her arm, eliciting a slight moan from Sherena, stopping to hold her hand in his.

Sherena looked into William’s deep emerald eyes as he looked back into her sapphire blue eyes. She watched as flames suddenly leap in his eyes. She knew now that this was the sign of strong emotions about to be expressed in some manner by her love, her man.

Birds sang in the trees and Sherena’s hair waved slightly in the soft breeze carrying the scent of flowers to them. He spoke softly but with the strong energy of emotions, “You’re my one and only desire!”

Moisture formed in Sherena’s eyes as she looked at the man sitting so near to her. His eyes burned brightly as he gazed into her own eyes. His strong firm hand held hers so gently. The vision of the dragon formed in the fires within his eyes, a vision that only she ever saw. She looked deeply into William’s eyes and saw her destiny there in the flames of the dragon. At the flames base, two figures seemed to move together as one, slowly at first and then faster and faster.

She closed her eyes and leaning forward slightly, kissed William on the lips, a long and heartfelt kiss that seemed to last an eternity but went by ever so quickly. William watched Sherena as she pulled away from the kiss and was suddenly surprised when he saw a violet spark light in her eyes. As they gazed at each other, the spark erupted into a blazing violet flame, dancing about wildly. Her lips, her mouth once again sought out William’s and as they kissed, sparks leapt from their lips, quickly turning into flames that soon engulfed them.

Thunder and Star stared at their human friends and nickered to each other as they watched. A golden flame surrounded William while a violet flame surrounded Sherena. The flames fought each other for a moment, trying to retain their own separate identity, trying to overcome the other.

As the kiss progressed, Sherena employed the technique Failan had told her about earlier that day. William moved his hand behind Sherena’s lower back at her waist and pulled her to him. The two separate flames fought for dominance, neither giving any ground.

William raised his other hand to her neck and caressed it, moving his hand to her cheek.  Sherena ran her fingers through the hair on the back of his head and pulled him tighter to herself. The two flames suddenly stopped their wild dance and paused for a moment as if unsure what to do. The flames then expanded slightly and trembled before imploding back into their hosts, vanishing from sight.

Sherena pulled William down onto the blanket with her as they kissed, side by side. A flame once again formed at their lips, it was a golden purple color, a color that showed the two wills giving in to each other, joining as one. The selfishness of the individual gone, replaced by the union of the two wills, the two flames, a final surrender to each other.

They finally released, gasping for breath and looked perplexed at each other. They had not noticed the fires that had burned around them, but knew in their souls that they were now joined as one. Their wedding would have to be soon.

Fear gripped both William and Sherena. Neither of them had been with another. Neither of them had ever opened up their souls to another person. It was scary and exciting at the same time.

They ate their lunch on the blanket and watched the water bubble out of the spring and gurgle down the stream. The sun glinted off the ocean in the distance as time passed and the evening came on. They had talked about a great many things that concerned them and felt better for sharing their feelings with each other.

They soon packed up their picnic lunch and headed back towards the Tavern, feeling better about their upcoming wedding. They rode into the Tavern yard with smiles on their faces.

[Admin Action Taken By: DarkRider] Mild edit for content.

[WillieSea]

There was a celebration going on in the Tavern when William and Sherena arrived. The last adventure had been a success, all except for one thing. Stories and tales were being told by Grond, Red and Echo as the patrons slapped them on the backs and congratulated them.

When the couple entered the room, more adulation was given and more tales were told. The death and destruction of the Vampire lair was a cause for great celebration.

William joined Grond at the bar where they discussed the battles and more tactics. William again apologized for shattering Grond’s warhammer. The final insult to the living, the altar, had to be destroyed. William listened as Grond told the tale of its destruction again, enhancing his own part in its disintegration. William laughed and clapped Grond on the back, “Another drink for my fine Friend, destroyer of Necromancer altars!” William yelled over the crowd to the barkeep.

Sherena joined Red and regaled Red for her battle prowess and how she had taken down the cruel father. There were laughs as well as tears shed for Sedave’s unfortunate end. Red kept her deepest feelings out of the conversation.

There was some discussion about retaliation from Fenner Llervu’s family or friends. But that would be far into the future, not a worry for this day. Still, William and Grond exchanged worried looks and then looked at Red. Stout ale soon made them forget the matter as discussion centered on the battle once again.

Soon, everybody started wandering off for bed. It had been a long and weary day. Red, Sherena and William were doubly exhausted, their magicka reserves all but drained from the razing of the fort ruins.

Exhausted, they quickly fell into a deep slumber in their rooms. Red’s was a bit troubled, plagued by visions of Sedave, her teeth sinking deep into her neck, her blood draining from her body. An evil laugh echoed in the chamber of her dreams…

[WhoGuru]

Red woke on a stifled scream, bolting up in her bed.  For a moment, she was unsure where she was, glancing frantically about expecting to see....she knew not what.  Her neck ached and she stumbled quickly out of her bed and too the small mirror over her dresser.  She anxiously searched the skin and found nothing but the faintest of marks from where Sedave's teeth had torn into her throat.

"Gods."  She breathed and hung her head in relief.  She looked back to her bed and found it looked as though she'd been wrestling in her sleep, the blanket tangled and knotted.  She tried to piece the dream together in her head and found it had slipped away in her panic.  She jumped then when a soft knock sounded on her door.  "Come in."  She said in a shaky voice and realizing her state of undress, quickly pulled the tangled blanket from the bed, wrapping it round her.  

The door swung open and Sharon stepped softly in.  She seemed to take in the bed and Red's appearance in a single glance.

"I thought I heard something."  She said quietly.  "Are you alright?"  Red felt herself blush, embarrassed that anyone had heard her rude awakening.

"Bad dream."  She said simply.  Sharon nodded.

"You're holding your neck."  She observed.  "I heard what happened in the ruin.  What did you dream?"  She asked bluntly and sat in the room's single chair, waiting for Red to collect herself.  "You were bitten by a vampire.  The dream could be important."

Red shook her head and sat on the edge of her bed.  "I can't remember."  She found herself massaging her neck again and made herself stop.  "Sedave.  She was part of it.  That's all I can remember."  As she said that, she heard the sound of laughter once more and closed her eyes trying to remember more.   Giving up, she opened them and found not only Sharon standing beside her but William as well.  She gasped, rearing back on the bed, blanket clutched to her chest.

She had not heard anything, had only closed her eyes for a moment.   "How did you get in here so fast?"  She said breathless.  

The worry she saw on Will's face deepened.  "Red, we've been standing here for several minutes.  When you stopped answering her, Sharon came to get me."  He sat beside Red on the bed and placed a hand on her bare shoulder.  Red flinched without meaning too and forced herself to sit still.  She felt Will's magic wash through her and retreat just as quickly.  "She's unhurt."  He said confused.

Sharon came and looked at Red seriously.  "You were bitten by a vampire.  Dreams often accompany the change from human to undead."  She nodded when Red's mouth dropped open.  She suddenly felt cold and claustrophobic in the room.  "It's called Porphyric Hemophilia.  You need the blessing of an altar of the Nine in the next three days."

Red nodded, swallowing the fear.  "I have time then."  She said and stood from the bed, pulling the blanket more secure and going to the window.  She pushed it open and sucked in a grateful breath of air.  "If you'd both step out, I"ll get dressed.  There's no way I'm going back to sleep."   She kept her back to the room and heard them leave and knew Will lingered for a moment longer before shutting the door behind him.

With them gone and the room not feeling so close any longer, she quickly dressed and thanked whoever was listening that Sharon had heard her wake that morning.  Else she would have simply written the bad dream off to the events of the previous day.  "And three days from now risen to eat my friends."  She muttered to herself and shuddered once, hard before wrestling the fear back under control.   She left her room and the horror of what she'd nearly become behind her and went downstairs.  In the tavern room, she found William waiting for her.

"I want to do this alone, Will."  She said kindly.  "I need to do this alone.  It's been a long time since I set foot in a Chapel of the Nine as a supplicant."  She laughed at herself.  "I'd hate for anyone to see them refuse me."

Will shook his head at her.  "That wont happen.  The gods can't refuse you.  You have a good heart."  He still saw the hurt in her eyes and wished he could restore her faith in the world.

"It's alright, Will.  Really."  She slung her bow on her shoulder and headed for the door.  "I'll be back soon.  Cured I hope."  She left quickly and was on her way to the city.  In truth, she did worry her plea would be rejected.  The Nine frowned on her profession, both her new and the old.  If they did deny her, she'd visit a less than reputable apothecary she knew of in the city.  As she rode, she did something she usually forgot to do and took pleasure in the countryside around her.  It was a beautiful morning, clear blue skies and just the shadow of Secunda left on the horizon.  

She smiled and felt very much alive and lucky.  The city came in sight and she felt a breath of sorrow looking in the direction where Sedave had once lived.  That girl was truly haunting her, she thought.  The city gates were closed, unusual for such a fine morning and several guards held the watch outside.  She tied her horse off at the small stable outside the gates and approached them warily.  

"Good morning."  She said with a smile and they greeted her cordially enough.

"What's your business in the city today?"  One of them asked.  Red bristled but answered, smile still in place.

"I'm visiting the chapel of Talos.  Is there a problem?"  

The guard shook his head.  "There was a murder here yesterday."  He said in a cool voice and Red felt a chill crawl over here, suddenly knowing what he was going to say.  "One of the resident Lords was killed in his manor outside the city, brutal murder.  The Duke has ordered an extra watch until the killers are found."

Red nodded, doing her best to look properly concerned.  "May I enter the city?"  She asked and the guard nodded.

"Don't cause any trouble."  He warned with a tight smile.  "Today is not the day to be causing trouble."  Red thanked him and went quickly through the door he opened in the large gates.  Inside, she looked carefully about and saw there were in fact more guards than normal walking the streets.  She would indeed have to be careful.  That they were calling it a murder meant the guards who had witnessed the incident had not told the truth of things.  She wondered if descriptions of Her, Grond, Will and Sherena would soon be coming.  

She went quickly through the streets to the Chapel.  It was thankfully close to the gates and she stepped inside the vaulted chamber.  Taking a deep breath, she walked down the deserted aisle toward Talos' altar.  Morning services were over and even the chapel priests had wandered off somewhere.  That was fine with her.  She wanted no witnesses if she was refused.  She knelt by the altar, placing her hands gently upon the cloth covered stone and closed her eyes.  In her mind, she begged Talos' blessing, a cure for her sickness.

She sat that way for several minutes and as she began to despair that she would indeed be refused, she felt a sudden cool breath flow across her skin.  Opening her eyes, she found herself wreathed in a crystal blue light and in shock, felt the blessing ease into her mind on a thought and knew that Talos did not fault her her life.  As the magic faded and she felt herself cleansed, she rose, wiping tears from her cheeks and turned to find one of the Priests standing behind her.

He placed a gentle hand on her arm and smiled at her.  "Congratulations, child."  He said softly.  "It is not often Talos himself visits a supplicant."  Red stared at him as her cheeks dried.

"How did you know?"  She asked in surprise.

"He once spoke to me."  He said simply and she saw the shine of joyous tears in his eyes as he left her there.  She left the Chapel feeling clean and full of hope.  And insignificant because one of the Nine had not only given her his blessing but inserted a thought into her mind, a message of forgiveness.  She left the city quickly, unable to worry when the guards followed her progress out and to her horse.  She would warn the others when she reached the Tavern and not borrow worry.

[DarkRider]

Red was riding Savior lazily down the long road toward the tavern. She felt a blessed peace within her spirit. It was a comfort to know she was actually capable of feeling peace, if only it didn't elude her so often. A piercing cry overhead broke her from her thoughts and she looked up to see a bird flying passed her tward the tavern. It seemed barely able to stay aloft; even from a distance the bird looked ragged and wounded. There was no mistaking the familiar brown and white markings.

"Serenity," she exhaled and quickly pushed Savior into a gallop to follow the hawk. There was only one place she would be heading, and only one place she could have come from.

As she arrived in the tavern yard, Red barely wasted time slowing Savior's approach before leaping from her saddle and rushing into the tavern. In the center of the tavern Grond stood with his back to her. Will, Sherena, Echo, and young Sharon were all looking on with stricken exp​ressions.

"Grond," Red swallowed over the sudden dryness in her mouth, "What is it?"

The big Nord turned toward her slowly, he shoulders hanging low, "Kika," he answered holding the tattered bird in his hands. The once magnificent creature was now a shadow of her former glory. Her feathers were tattered and torn, her markings were smudged with ash and blood, and she panted for a breath desperately.

"What message does she carry?" the theif asked stepping closer to lay a gentle hand on the bird.

"Whatever message she may have carried," Grond said mournfully, "was lost long ago," he showed her the tattered remains of the leather slip on Serenity's leg.

Red felt warm tears in her eyes for the animal's pain, "Can you help her?"

"I don't know," Grond said, his features clouded in thought, "But I will do what I can for her."

[WhoGuru]

Red felt a crushing grief rise in her throat.  If his beloved Falcon was in this state, what condition must Rider himself be in?  Will placed his hand on the falcon above Red's to heal her.  She waited several seconds and when she felt nothing happening, she looked at him.  His face was a picture of frustration.  He drew his hand away in confusion and stared at them.

"I can't heal her."  He said softly.  He placed his hand atop her again and again withdrew it, Serenity still in tatters.  "I am incapable of healing her.  The magic wont come."  Sherena put her arm about him and rested her head on his shoulder.  Will was crushed to learn his healing abilities had limits.  What else would he find himself unable to do?   He considered the problem with what he knew of his new abilities.  He took the wounds he healed into himself to heal them, wounding himself.  Perhaps it was that she was a different creature, not humanoid at all.

Red gently stroked the stricken bird's feathers and without thinking, called her healing magic to her.  She felt it flow out through her hand and into Serenity.  She was broken up inside, in a torment of pain and Red could feel the desperation that had given her the strength to fly in this state.  As she pulled her magic back, the bird healed, she received a confusing image of Rider.  He stood on a field, surrounded by smoke, his dark face staring up and she felt as though he were somehow lost.

With the magic's leaving, the image stopped abruptly and she opened her eyes with a gasp.  Grond took her arm to steady her as Serenity rose to walk up Grond's arm with a relieved chirrup.  "You alright, Red?"  He asked.  She nodded and told him what she had seen.  

"What does it mean?"  Will asked, the concern they all felt etched clearly on his face.

"I don't know."  Red had a moment of madness, determined to mount her horse and ride aimlessly through the West Weald until she found him.  She crushed the idea.  The Weald was huge and she had no way of knowing if he was even there.  Without the message, there was no way of knowing.  "There's nothing we can do, is there?"  She asked and felt tears gather in her eyes once more.  "We have to just leave him there."

Will took her arm, feeling the same helplessness he saw in her eyes.  Grond squeezed her shoulders in comfort.  Serenity walked off his and onto Red's, rubbing her head against her cheek as if in thanks, before stepping back on the larger man's shoulder.  "He'll be alright, Red."  Grond said with surety.  "The Rider has been around a fair few.  There's not much could take him down.  He'll stroll through those doors any day now with a new scar and a tall tale to tell."

Red nodded, though she didn't believe it.  Somewhere, he was in trouble.  Of that she was sure.  He'd never have left Serenity in that condition.  She swallowed the tears and nodded for the others, forcing a small smile.  "You're right.  He'll be fine."   The matter settled, Grond took Serenity into the kitchens to tempt her with food.  Red turned abruptly and strode outside, once more feeling the confines of the walls.  Outside, she heaved a breath, trying to calm herself and walked to where Savior still stood patiently.  She buried her face in his mane and said a prayer for her friend, wherever he was, that he would come through whatever trial assailed him.  

The sound of hoof beats on the road broke her from her prayer and she waited to see who was coming into the hollow in such a hurry.

[WhoGuru]

William watched Red leave, the set of her shoulders dejected and felt the same.  He hugged Sherena impulsively, in need of the comfort and she gladly gave it to him.  "Will he be alright, William?  This friend of yours?"  She asked quietly.  

"I hope so."  Will said into her hair.  The Rider had a peculiar sort of luck, surviving where others would surely fall.  Even as he worried for the man's safety, he felt sure he would survive whatever trouble had found him, though he wished desperately, as Red did, that he could somehow help.    

He heard the sound of hoof beats from the Tavern yard then and startled when he heard Red's voice raised in anger.  He bolted for the door with Sherena close behind and found the yard filled with horses, seven of them and the city guard with Red.  They had taken her, two guards struggling to hold her as she fought and yelled.  Two more rolled on the ground, obviously in some sort of pain and one of the men holding her sported a split lip.

"What do you think you're doing?"  Will said, his tone dangerous.  One of the guards, a Captain from his armor, strode to him unconcerned.

"This woman is accused of murder."  He said bluntly.  "A witness places her at the home of Lord Fenner Hlervu yesterday at the time of his death."

"A witness?"  William asked.  Red was still struggling with the guards and took a sharp cuff to the back of the head as he watched.  She collapsed in their hold and only Sherena's warning grip on his arm stopped him from laying into the men.  "If they touch her again, you will regret it."  He growled.  The captain seemed taken aback at the tone and indeed, took a step away from the dangerous looking man.

"She injured one of Lord Fenner's guard before killing the Lord himself.  Broke his jaw."  The Captain pulled a scroll from his armor and handed it to Will.  "We have a writ, signed by the Duke himself for her arrest."  He watched Will open the scroll and read through it's contents.

"What is this about the daughter?"  He asked, looking up with anger in his eyes.

"The witness says she killed Lord Fenner to cover the murder of his daughter, Sedave."  The Captain barked an order to his men and Red was manacled and tossed up over one of the horses, held in place by the soldier still in the saddle.  "We will investigate, though I must tell you, it doesn't look good for her."

It took all of Will's self control to allow them to leave with Red like that.  Sherena felt him trembling with rage and suffered with him.  They had only tried to help and now were paying the price.  "What do we do?"  Sherena asked as tears crept down her cheeks.  William shook himself and took her in his arms.  

"I pay a visit to this 'witness'."  He said softly.  "I know who it must be."  Grond strode from the Tavern then, seeing the two holding each other and the last of the guards as they filed out of the yard.

"What's happened?"  He asked, sensing the mood from the two.  William told him what the Captain had said and handed the writ to him.  Grond read through it swiftly and exploded.  "This will not stand!"  He bellowed.  "We'll have to see the Duke."  Grond said and returned to the Tavern, yelling for Arlow as he went.  Will shook his head.  

"I can't go with him to the Duke."  Will said.  "He thinks me dead.  If he should recognize me..."  He pondered the thought and the consequences both for himself and his friends should their deception be discovered.  "No, we must find another way."

"Dead?"  Sherena asked, confused.

"Come, I'll explain as we go.  It is a long story."  He summoned his horse, as Sherena did hers.  They mounted and quickly left as Grond emerged once more, Sharon, Echo and Arlow in tow.

"Well now where are they going?"  Grond said irritated.

[grond]

Count  Antoine Victus came from his bed chamber, on a cool morning, and strode to take his seat at the high chair upon the dais.  His aide went to and fro; though the court was quiet she bustled regardless, for to her, there was much to do.  The aide, an Imperial woman, wore sharp heels, and the clack of them against the shining dark marble floors resounded throughout the high court chamber.  Dimly lit and expansive was the count’s receiving hall, with crests, colorful banners and velvet curtains draped on the walls, suits of various armors standing at the corners, display cases holding prizes (mostly won by the Count’s father).  A crystal chandelier hung above the high receiving chair, and bright candles on tall stands lit the carpeted hall, from the entrance to the throne.  Eight guards stood at attention in their places, wearing bright armor, their eyes glinting in the candlelight, as they eyed three figures stride toward the dais.  

The aide lay a worn note onto Count Victus’ lap.  “Is this…?” whispered the Count.  The aide cleared her throat.  “Yes, my Lord,”  she replied in a secretive voice.  “As you requested, the messenger that brought it is being held below, for questioning.”  

“Send down that I wish for Bant to do the questioning.  He is not as kind as the others.”

“Yes my lord.”   The aide sent a servant to deliver the order.  She looked toward the hall to see three figures approach.  Two, smaller than the third, remained behind.  The third figure was clad in silver fur armor, and he cradled his helmet - a wolf's head -  in his arm.  Across his wide back was slung a two-handed axe, the enchantments of which glittered in the flickering light.  His hair was golden, and crowned his head like a lion’s mane.

He strode to the stair of the dais and halted.  Ignoring the aide who stamped down the stair, he called to the Count.  “My Lord,” he said, “many years ago I served this court.  Mayhap you remember me.  I am Grond, and I desperately seek an audience, if it pleases your lordship.”

The aide gave a snap of her fingers and spoke.  “It does not!  One must gain an audience with the Count through me!”  Grond paid her no heed, but stood his ground, as the guard near them strode closer.

The Count still studied the small parchment on his lap.  “Raenedia,” he said, “It is a quiet morning.  Let us not refuse an old friend.  Grond, you may approach.”  

The Nord came up the stair.  As he came near the Count said, “And perhaps fortune has guided you to me this day.  Before I listen, I must speak.”  There was silence then, but for the heavy sigh the Count released.  “I will say it plainly.  Men or mer have taken my father.  I know not where he is.”

“Grave news indeed, my Lord,” replied Grond.

“Yes, it is deeply disturbing to me, for he is quite fragile with age and, as you might know, he is demented, and who knows which secrets of this state he might reveal to his captors?  I believe this is verily the reason they have taken him.  And I have just now received a note from his kidnappers, with a ransom demand which will fairly ruin this court.  Will you lend your talents?  Will you find and save my father, your old friend?”

“Aye, my Lord, I will retrieve him for ye,”  said the Nord solemnly.

“That is well,” replied Count Victus.  He handed the Nord the ransom note.  Grond had seen many a ransom note, and this one was typical.  It demanded from the Count twenty thousand Drakes for the safe return of the elder Victus, or his life would be forfeit.  There was something unusual in the writing or the ink, which at first glance Grond could not determine.  He said nothing of it to the Count.  Victus continued.  “Now then, what brings you to my chair, old friend,”   said the Count, as he stifled a yawn.

“My Lord,” said Grond, “a dear friend of mine has been wrongfully accused of the murder of the Dunmer Lord Hlervu.  I wish for your ear, so I may tell you the events as they truly happened at his estate, and you might decide then her fate, having heard the true tale.”

“Well said, friend Grond,” replied Victus, casting a quick eye toward the Nord.  “And does your past with my family mean that I shall trust you over the word of the one in the Lord’s employ who was at the scene?”

“Not at all, Lord,”  said the Nord.  “For I too was there, and under no one’s employ.”

“Ahhh!  Now we come to it!  Well, then, old friend – I shall postpone any judgement of the deed, or of your dear friend, as you call her, until such time as you can deliver my father from his captors.  It will be at that time when we shall talk again, and I shall hear the events surrounding Lord Hlervu’s murder, as you describe them.  Now go with all good speed!  May the Nine guide you swiftly to him!”

Bowing, Grond turned and strode down the stair, and as Sharon and Echo joined him, he walked with haste out of the castle.  They young ones were forced to jog to match his speed.  

Once outside, Grond said, “I need ale to wash my filthy mouth.”  He spat and Sharon and Echo followed him to the nearest Inn.

[WhoGuru]

Red sat in her cell, somewhat the worse for wear.  She had woken as they entered the Castle Yard and been roughly carried into the jail.  Her captors had 'accidentally' bumped her into several walls and doors on their way down.  Payment no doubt for the bruises she had inflicted when they took her.  She could have slain them all and had briefly considered it as they'd closed on her.  The trouble she'd have brought down on the Tavern stayed her hand, as well as the knowledge the soldiers were simply doing their job, innocent in the whole thing.

So she had been taken with only token resistance and now briefly wished she had drawn her blade.  She did her best to ignore the pain from the many bruises and shifted uncomfortably as the guard Captain stopped in front of her cell.  

"You're hearing has been postponed."  He said and scowled at her.  "For now."

"Why?"  She asked, struggling to her feet and glaring at him.

"You don't need to know."  He took in her bruised face and frowned.  "I'll see that a meal is sent soon."  He remembered the face of the man at the Tavern when his men had taken her and thought there would be trouble if he were to see her now.  He turned on his heel and left, preparing a lecture for his men on the treatment of prisoners.  Red sighed and slid back down to sit, wondering what had prompted her reprieve.  She dipped a hand into the top of her jerkin and came out with a slim lockpick.  They had missed it when searching her and she toyed with the idea of letting herself out.

Shaking her head, she put it back, deciding to wait.  Perhaps the others would find a way to solve this.  If she escaped on her own, she'd have to leave, a wanted woman.  Again.  She thought to herself.  She had been hounded by the law once before, while in the Brotherhood.  It was not an experience she wanted to repeat, especially as this time she was innocent of the murder.

She pushed to her feet once more when the muted sound of a scream came to her cell.  Going to the bars, she listened and soon heard another.  Someone was being tortured, she thought and frowned.  Another scream and the door to the cell block opened.  One of the guards who had arrested her entered.  She knew he'd been there from the split lip gracing his face.  He carried a tray with a roll of bread and glass of water.

She backed away from the door as he approached and stared in at her.

"The Captain says we should feed you."  He held up the tray and then took the hunk of bread and bit into it.  He finished it off in three bites, then dumped the water on the floor before sliding the tray beneath the door.  "I think you don't look hungry at all."  He grinned at her then and left with a laugh.  As he opened the door and left once more, she heard clearly the screams of a man somewhere near.  He was begging, crying, that he didn't know where the Count's father was and then his words were cut off as the door shut once more.

The Count's father was missing?  She pondered that and thought perhaps that's what had put off her sentencing.  Though the Captain had said hearing, she knew such things were but for show.  The current Count was not a man who suffered long court proceedings, preferring to dispense his justice swiftly.  Once more she eased her aching body to the floor and settled back to wait.  If something else were happening, she did not want to ruin what aide her friends would bring by making herself a fugitive.  She'd save that for a last resort if it came to it.  The screams began once more and she tried to close her mind to them.

[WhoGuru]

After Red had fallen to sleep, exhausted, two of the guards she had bested stole into her cell.  She sat now, supported by the wall and hugged her aching ribs.  They had carefully kept their "lesson" below her face, as their Captain had warned them not to mark her again.  She coughed up a small amount of blood and spat it to the floor.  One of them had confessed to being one of Lord Hlervu's personal guard.  He'd been particularly diligent in showing her what he thought.  She cursed her inability to heal herself and focused on breathing around the pain in her chest.

"Still alive murderess?"  A soft voice came to her.  Red startled, cringing at the pain and forced herself to move, crawling to the door.

"Who's there?"  She asked, equally as quiet.

"Just another guest of the good Count."  He sounded amused.  "Though it seems you've earned some special treatment from the fine guards of this establishment.  Who'd you kill?"

Red settled herself against the door with difficulty, breathing through her teeth.  "One who tried to kill me first."  She said breathless.  She heard soft laughter.

"Ah of course, of course.  Self defense.  I too was only defending myself."  

Red looked over at the sound of soft scraping and saw a dark hand pushing a cup along the wall towards her cell.  "Some water for you, murderess."  He said kindly.  Red hadn't the breath to argue with him and gratefully reached through the bars, taking the cup.  She drank carefully, in small sips and savored the clear taste on her abused throat.  

"Thank you."  She said finally.  "Who are you?"  Another chuckle.

"Oh I'm no one.  No one at all."  He fell into silence and Red felt sleep stealing over her again suddenly.  She fought to keep her eyes open and lost.  "Sleep well, murderess."  She heard his voice once more as she slipped into oblivion to the sound of soft laughter.