The birds flew happily and carelessly over the grassy hills of the Ascadian Isles, not having to worry about their predators, the cliff racers, in the ashlands. It was the third week of Second Seed, and the servants of Ules Manor bustled around, doing various chores. Nevana Ules was the head of the household, holding the venerable position of Hlaalu House Council member. It was during this time of the year that Nevana’s manor saw lots of activity. There were all sorts of travelers abroad, and Nevana offered her many extra bedrooms to those travelers for an excellent price, all proceeds going to the Great House Hlaalu. Today there was quite a collection of people, varying in race and profession, each with their own story to tell.

It was 4 in the afternoon, and these assorted travelers were outside at a rectangular table, placed in the shade next to a tree, weather-worn from being left outside for years. Daric the Breton had been temporarily residing at Ules Manor for about a week, deciding that it was a good place to make some money. Nevana didn’t mind, as long as he gave her free services as an apothecary and healer. Isaac the Altmer had been there for a day or so, intending to start off on his path the next day to a certain ancestral tomb, so he could continue his studies on the oblivion stream and magicka fluctuations. Harver, an Imperial coming to Vvardenfell in search of a job, heard of Nevana’s low fees and nice rooms, and came to the manor instead of paying the ridiculous prices that the racist dark elves had given the poor Imperial back in Suran. Vallrey the Bosmer had emerged from the ashlands to the north after two months of wandering and hunting, and happened to find Ules Manor. He missed civilization a bit, and the place seemed homely, occupied by some nice people. Wren the Nord found vacancy at Ules Manor as well. She was returning from Telasero, a Dunmer stronghold where resided a certain outlaw whom she was commissioned by the Imperial Legion to kill. Although she was not a member of the Legion, she decided that it was a morally good thing to do, and the pay was quite good.

OOC: Now’s a chance for your characters to mingle and talk amongst themselves! Include your character’s impressions on other characters.

OOC: Go Time

Isaac's finger began to tingle, for writting Daedric with magick was a tireing task. Why he did it? Because Daedric was not the most common language among commoners, which he feard would read his precious book. Closing his book, he Stretched and leaned back in his chair. It was a very peaceful day, and he cherished it with a smile. He noticed a fellow magick user, Daric, and decided to introduce himself. Now, Isaac rarely talked to strangers, let alone greeted them upfront but the esctacy of the warm weather and cool breeze made something different about him, and had not met anyone new for a while. Walking up to Daric, with a cheery smile on his face, Isaac began,
"Hello Breton, well met!"...

Daric was sitting at table under a tree ready to start another potion. His business in this manor was going well. Because of the large number of travelers, potions were in high demand. He couldn't wait until he had more money to start his own store in Balmora. It was his dream to buy the current alchemist shop. Balmora was a great town for so many reasons. It was great for business and close to the Carriers and Blades. He could wait to leave ths manor and buy that shop.
As Daric got ready he noticed an Altmer had just placed down his book. It was Isaac, he had been here for a few days and always seemed to be doing some form of research. "Hello Breton, well met!" said Isaac.
Daric put his potions away and bowed (as best he could while in a chair), "Nice to see you Isaac, how is the studying going? Need an potions?"

"Yes yes potions..." Isaac said asa he fiddled through his pockets. "I..dont beilive..." Isaac was talking as he concentrated more on whatever was in his pockets.
"That I...need potions but do you have any fire salts? I've been trying to become more self-reliant so I dont buy that many potions. "Also allows me to practice my potion making." Isaac had found his coin bag, and was sifting through it to estimate how much he had. "Well anyway, how is business going? Doing well I hope?"

Nuryn Terano's post removed, as he is not signed up. DMs just tell me if he had been added outside of the signup thread and I'll put his post back.

OOC: Thank you Peregrine.

IC:"Business is great. Lots of people here are in need of an alchemist. Nevana Ules even gives me free housing! All I have to do is tend to her if ever needed. It's a rare occasion, so I focus on business... Fire salts... hmmm, Yes! Here we are! I'll cut you a deal... 140 gold for two sacks... deal?" Tyjet placed the two bags on the table near by and awaited Isaac's respones....

"Ah thank you..." Isaac said as he pulled the right amount of money from his coin bag and handed the to Daric. "Free rooming eh? That seems like a bargain!" Isaac exclaimed. "If I were staying any longer I'd have to look into that." He had just put the fire salts in a pouch around his waist, and tied it tight. "Well I'm going to seize the good weather and do a bit of looking around. Care to join me if you can spare a few minutes?"...

:: Harver was sitting down, allowing a single beam of sunshine to warm a line across his weathered face. He tilted his head forward from his resting place on the head of his chair and he gently gripped the handle of his tea cup and sipped gingerly. Two apparent magic users began discussing trade before him. Hiding his mouth behind his cup of tea, he listened in to the conversation. A pang of jealousy moaned in the depths of his stomach, a green spark in his loins. He was jealous of the fact that this magic man before him was able to spare 140 gold for ingredients. That was pretty much the money he was getting by on now. ::

:: He set the tea down, dropping the thin shield of social defense. Slowly craning his head about he eyed a Bosmer sitting close. He waited for the Bosmers eyes to shift over to him. Once they did, he smiled and tilted his head. Wanting to be the friendly sort but being as nervous as he was in a new land; he could only speak the word...::

Hello.

:: a quick smile crossed his lips followed by a gentle nod of his head.::

Daric stood up and faced the Altmer, "Sure, why not..." Isaac got up and began to walk. Daric followed not to far behind.

Wren walks in the doorway, returning from a long run to Suran to restock her supply of bolts, and more then a little out of breath. As she steps in she sees the temporary-resident alchemist.
(Just the person i wanted to see she thought.)

Since the breton was walking toward the door, she stopped and waited for him to approach, and attempted to catch his attention.

OOC: Players keep in mind the setting. We are not inside, we are outside.

IC:

Tylen Ethelas was at his usual post in front of the manor, crossing his arms and leaning against one of the terra cotta buttresses that sturdily held the manor's walls. His Dwemer longsword hung at his side, giving off a dull shine in the sunlight, and doing its job of slightly intimidating passer-bys, and anyone who was up to no good.

He kept his eye on the small gathering of guests at the table. They lounged about in the shade, some enjoying cold tea and some talking amongst themselves. He saw a transaction take place, but thought nothing of it once he saw they were only trading fire salts. He once had a Khajiit try to sell moon sugar to another guest. The feline creature was no doubt suprised to recieve a hard clop on the back of his head from the butt of Tylen's sword, and was apprehended immediately. The Breton selling the ingredients had stayed here for nearly a week now, and his free services had been quite a delight for Nevana and rest of the household.

His guard duty was sometimes quite boring, but he never resented his job. He loved serving House Hlaalu and especially loved serving Nevana Ules, a good friend of his.

The sun was starting to creep ever closer to the horizon, and it was probably about four or five o'clock.

Daric noticed a Nord woman was eyeing him down as he followed Isaac. "Hold on just a second Isaac, i think business is calling." Daric started walking in the direction of the woman. "Hello. Nice to meet you, i'm Daric. That's Isaac. I'm the alchemist here. Need anything? And what is your name?" Daric asked the woman, her red hair shining beautifully in the evening sun. Daric had assumed she wanted some goods so he immediately prepared for a transaction.

Wren smiled at the friendly alchemist and answered him: "My name is Wren. I wondered if you might have a mortar and pestle to replace my old one... i seem to have lost my apprentices set... I can pay good money for your goods. Having just finished an assassination by request of the Imperial Legion, I have some cash left to burn. Someone as skilled as yourself would surely have something for me."

Daric checks his inventory and finds a journeyman's mortar and pestle. "This is all i have for sale right now... How does 200 gold sound?"

Wren, surprised at the low price replys "That sounds great! In fact, take an extra 20 septims for your own concerns. I'm glad we were able to do business."
*removes 220 septims from pouch of gold, and hands them to Daric*
"Thank you, kind breton."

OOC:Ok, I missed the start by two days, sorry. And I'll post longer when I get back from school.

IC:Vallréy was sitting around, doing nothing, when the imprial spoke. "Hello..", Vallréy began in bosmeri, shook his head a little, then watched the man. "Hello", he said in the common language this time and reached out to shake the man's hand. "Vallréy Westmar", he introduced himself and shook the imperial's hand.

''Shall we be going Daric? We won't be long and youl have plenty of time to continue to sell goods." Isaac said lightheartedly. He breathed in once more the etheral air that he loved so much. He felt as though nothing could bring him down at the moment. He became excited thinking of the reasearch he could get done in the tomb the next day. Isaac was speachless as he waited for Daric to join him. Thoughts whirled in his head of theorys that this tomb could make or break...
"Isaac? You there?" Daric asked as Isaac came to his senses and apologized for his daydreaming. "Forgive me Daric," Isaac said as he gathered himself. The tomb would have to wait untill tomorrow.

:: Harver was relieved to find the man friendly enough. A surprised look replaced the one of complacence when Vallrey extended his sure hand forward. Harver immediately shot out his hand to meet Vallrey's. His simple but polite roots showed in his frim grip and the slight but definitely noticable set of shakes his hand gave Vallrey's. A bit of surprise fronted his first string of words.::

"Oh, pleasure to meet you, Vallray"

:: A very light accent came through; leading to the slight misenunciation of the name.::

"The name's Grayfield. Harver Grayfield, may it do you fine."

:: Harver smiled and let go of the Bosmer's hand.::

"I know it was cheap, Wren. Don't let it discourage you... I've have had that a long time and it was weighing me down!! Well, I must be going now. Have a good day, and if you need anything else, just look for me." Daric started walking away from Wren and walked up to Isaac, whom seemed to be in a daze. "Isaac? You there?" he said. "Forgive me Daric," Isaac said as he gathered himself.
Isaac and Daric continued on with their walk. The evening sky was getting darker now and you could see a few of the stars shining through. "So, Isaac, what exactly are you researching?"

"Mmmm..." Isaac began. "I have been working with Magika fluctuations, to be more specific, fluctuations that specifically occur when certain spells are cast. Unfortuantly, there is no obvious effects that spells create, other than the ones they are designed for. However," Isaac looked over to make sure Daric was keeping up. "Myself and some other... friends have been working on searching for these eleged 'hidden effects'. Some extensive research has been done and we've linked certain effects with certain spells, more notably the spells commonly known as 'mark' and 'recall'."

Isaac breathed, "You've got to realize, we've been working with nothing to build off of, and we've gotten very far in our research. Hypothetically, 'mark' and 'recall' create breif portals, and by breif, I mean REALLY breif, that move the caster to the last place the caster cast mark." Isaac checked to make sure what he said made sense. "I'm using this theory to check if other theorys that we have will work, and for that to happen, I need to visit that ancestral tomb tomorrow." Isaac smiled. "I'm sure you dont want to hear me babble anymore, oh by the way, can you read Daedric?"

"I think I have heard something about these theories...One theory I once read claims that recall does not only move its user to the specifed destination, but it also brings back particles in the air and smells. They thought recall acts more like a portal rather than an instant teleportaion spell... That stuff fascinates me. I never actually done any full studies on it... I focused more on Alchemy in the past few years. And yes, I can read Daedric, I studied it in my youth." Daric said as he leaned up against a near by tree. "But, one thing I don't understand... How does the tomb come in to all this?"

"A pleasure to meet you to", said Vallréy and pulled his hand back over the table. "What business brings you here?", he asked and looked around to see the other people gathered there. 'Dunmer, Altmer, even Nord..', he thought and watched the people all around him. Catching glimpses of different languages and conversations, he was fascinated by the amount of different races being gathered at this one spot.

Upon hearing that Daric could read Daedric, Isaac began to reach into his pocket. "Here," Isaac said as he handed Daric his journal. "This is all the research I've done up untll this point. I'm trusting that youl be done by the morning." Isaac smile nervously as he had never given anyone his journal before. "Come, let us return to the villa, It grows late."

"Yes, It is getting late... Best head to bed, I'm hoping to make some good sales in Suran tomorrow. I'll met you outside so I can give you your journal back." Isaac and Daric continued to talk alittle as they returned to villa. "Well, it's getting dark and I want an early morning so i'm going to head to bed... I'll see you in the morning." Daric bowed to Isaac as he turned the door. As he turned he noticed that many people were still sitting at the table... Maybe and can make one more sale... Daric walked over to the table, "Last call of the night! Anyone need anything for your journeys tomorrow?"

Wren looks over the group outside, and thinks it strange for so many people to make so much small talk... but then, she knows that she can be rather antisocial. After a quick check of her stuff, she decides she doesnt need much of anything at the moment, what with the 2 Restore fatigue potions and the restore health... not as good as store-bought stuff, but it did the job. She figured that when she left she would be able to gather ingredients as she traveled.
Wren walked inside to get ready for a restful nights sleep.

Issac yawned as he opened his door to his room. He pulled his robe off, took off his boots, and wearing just pants, he reached into his pouch by the side of his bed. He took out a book and placed it on the beside table. Issac then used telekinisis to bring the candle across the room to him. He had the book and floating candle change places and began to read. It wasn't long before he began to drift off from a long day. Placing the book down, he waved at the candle and it went out. His thoughts slowly stopped as he fell asleep....

:: Harver gave a nervous smile and placed his hand on the back of his neck. There was a brief pause before he began speaking::

"Well, I've come here to Vvardenfell in search of work. "

::Harver looked around too see the sun crawling its way over the horizon; A splash of color spreading from it. He turned his focus back to Vallrey. His eyelids were growing heavy. Not wanting to abandon a conversation and be rude, he rubbed one of his eyes and continued::

"And you? What brings you?"

Vallréy watched the man across the table. "What brings me? Two months of hunting alone in the wilderness brought me here", he said. The elf watched the skies and again, he felt the fatigue that had followed him for a month now. "I do not mean to sound rude, but I must leave you, it is growing late and I can barely keep my eyes open", Vallréy said and stood up. He reached over, shook Harver's hand again, then headed for his room to get some sleep.

The time was closing in on the end of Tylen's day watch. The sun had almost dissappeared now, giving way to the magical twilight hours, sacred to Azura. Tylen was one of the dwindling numbers of Dunmer who devotedly worshipped the Three Good Daedra: Azura, Boethiah and Mephala. Some guests still lingered outside. He called out to whoever might hear.

"Nighttime approaches! It's time to head inside!" With that order, he opened the door and waited for the guests to walk inside. A Bosmer who was already on his way to the building walked on in. The Imperial came in as well, holding his empty mug, which was taken off of him by a servant once he was inside. His eyes showed Tylen that he was quite tired.

Tylen locked the door with a quite complex lock, put the keys back on his belt. The guests looked tired enough that they would go to sleep very soon, so he went ahead and told everyone that had not already done so to go to their rooms.

He walked up to his own room on the second floor, took of his armor and went to bed.

OOC: My next post will be a little long, please read all of it.

Daric watched as Tylen locked up the door. He had always liked to amount of security here. He felt very safe. Most of the guest were heading to bed or already there. Daric looked out the window and gazed at Azura's star. It was so beautiful. It's amazing how something so small can mean so much, he thought to himself... Well, time for some rest... Daric walks up the stairs and enters his room. The bed had been made, but not by him. They had many services in this manor. It was comforting... Daric got in to bed and rolled over a few times and then fell asleep...

OOC: 1000 apologies for the long wait, players. My computer is mocking me and not working. I am using my roommate's comp. Here we go:

IC:

Creeping out of the shadows, the assassin clad in black silently ran into the light emanating from the lanterns of Ules Manor. Everyone was asleep; there was no resistance. He approached the western side of the house, which was unlit, and sheathed a katana on his back. Making little noise at all, the agent began to climb the wall using barrels and windowsills. Tonight, he would take the first step of the glorious retribution. The Great House Hlaalu thought that they had gotten away with it; they thought they were safe. No more would this injustice continue.

The dark elf made it to the second-story patio, and climbed over the banister. Kissing the Mephala emblem on his leather string necklace, he got to work picking the door that lead inside. It took little time for the familiar ‘click’ of an opening lock to sound; it wasn’t too complex for his skills. He carefully opened the door, and pulled a black shawl over his nose and mouth. Inside the manor it was dimly lit, which gave him a little confidence. He unsheathed his Daedric katana, and crept inside, slowly closing the door behind him. He knew where the councilor lay: down the hall and up the stair. Senses attuned and heart beating quickly he made his way down the hallway, and tread softly on the stairs that lead to the third story and master bedroom. Upon arriving at the third floor, there was one doorway, and his heart sped up. He cracked open the door and entered the room where his unknowing target lay innocently sleeping. He heard her breathing, gripped his katana tightly, feeling the somewhat slimy feeling of sweaty palms on leather hilt, and approached the canopy bed. She lay on her side, sound asleep, facing the doorway. The experienced Dunmer assassin quickly ran his blade straight through the sleeping woman’s neck, through the point right above the middle of the collar bone, the blade fully emerging out of the back, with dark red blood escaping out both ends. There was a short cry, and the target was dead almost immediately. The cry was too loud. He quickly exited the room and went down the stair, trying to be quiet, but someone had to have heard. Just as he was about to come within reach of the patio door, an Imperial woman rounded the corner, holding a candle and a silver longsword. She looked at his katana and saw the trail of blood that had dripped from it down the hall. She screamed loudly and immediately drew back her sword and swung at him. The dark elf easily parried her attack and made a quick slash across her belly, and she dropped the candle on the ground and gripped her stomach.

Out of one of the doors in the hallway burst another male dark elf, apparently a Hlaalu member, clutching a finely-crafted dwemer longsword. The assassin bolted out the patio door, and the new longsword-wielder gave pursuit. The escapee gripped the banister with one hand and leapt off the balcony, landing on the ground hard, but continuing to run. His pursuant did the same, but didn’t land as gracefully, rolling onto his side and springing up to continue running. The longsword-wielder was a fighter and was used to wearing armor, but had just come out of bed, so he wore no armor to slow him down. He eventually caught up with the trespasser and tackled him to the ground. The two got up and immediately engaged in a heated duel, both displaying skill. The Hlaalu eventually made contact with the assassin’s netch leather armor, cutting off a sack that hung from his waste. Because the pursuant had just woken up however, his skills were lacking in what they should have been. The assassin eventually found an opening, and kicked his opponent in the face, then clopped him on the head with the butt of his katana. The Hlaalu fell unconscious, and the assassin bolted.


Tylen woke up from the fight early in the morning, and sprung to his feet, still holding his longsword. He was in the middle of a field next to the manor. The trespasser had gotten away, and from what he could remember, had badly injured Fruscia. His eyes never came upon an enemy, and the muscles in his sword arm relaxed. Tylen felt liquid on his face, and his hand came up to his mouth to find blood running down his chin. His eyes wandered for a bit, then came across a sack. Yes, he had cut off the sack from the man’s belt during the fight. Tylen picked it up and forged around inside of it. He found some bittergreen petals, some darts, and a moderate amount of gold. But the thing that interested him the most was a letter he found. He curiously unwound the red string binding it, and unrolled the scroll. He began to read it and his eyes widened. Tylen sprinted back to the manor.

The frantic dark elf burst through the door, where a few servants were running through the house gripping weapons and seeing if everyone was alright. Fruscia the Imperial was not alright. She was one of Nevana's best friends and had had her stomach nearly cut open by the assassin's razor-sharp Daedric weapon.

Tylen looked out the window and judging by the position of the moons and how much light was beginning to creep into the sky, it was about three or four in the morning.

"Everyone!" Tylen announced to the frightened servants, still in his night-clothing, holding his sword in one hand and the letter in the other. "Wake all of the guests! MAke sure they're ok, and bring them down here to the living room! Now where is Nevana?" The servants stopped their bustling and looked at him, even the servant who was bandaging and comforting Fruscia.

"What? Where is she??" Tylen said wildly. His question was answered with perfect timing when another servant came into view coming down the stairs, sobbing and carrying the bloody body of Nevava Ules. Tylen's face transformed from confusion to disbelief, and contorted once more with a heavy pang of grief. The servant laid the dead councilwoman on a couch, and kneeled beside her body. Two servants left and went upstairs to bring down the guests, most of which were probably already awake.

The servants opened the guests' doors, and bid them to come downstairs...


OOC: By the way, just for everyone's information, all places and npc's were not made up, and can be found in the game (except Nevana's servants).

Daric had already been a little awake when a female servent came in the room. He was a light sleeper and had woken up when he heard many people walking about. He thought nothing of it at first, but the look on the young Dunmer was telling him different. It looked as if she had been crying and was trying to be strong. "You are needed in the entrance, sir." She managed to say. She was still very upset. Something wasn't right. Daric stood up from his bed and could see past her that many of the other guest had been woken up too. Isaac and Wren were being led by a servant and stopped in front of his room. Daric quickly put on his robe and met up with the group. Once he was in the hallway, he saw Harver and Vallery not to far behind. Soon all five of them were being ushered together down the hallway, to the front entrance.
Daric turned to everyone and spoke, "Does any one know what this is all about?!?"

Vallréy rubbed his eyes and looked around, barely awake. "No idea", he mumbled and scratched his head. Vallréy had just fallen asleep after some drinking when a man came into his room and shook him awake, telling him that he was wanted at the entrance. "Do you mind telling us what this is all about?", he shouted to Tylen, then he noticed the dead body of Nevana Ules on a couch.

Isaac too had been awoken the same way Vallrey was, and sensed something wasnt right. He had put on his robe, gathered his staff and followed the servant with the others. He gasped when he saw Nevana on the couch. Tylen was looking shocked, but his expression was still hard to read. Isaac heavily lent on his staff. His mind was scattered. All was going well for him untill this. There had to be an explination. His thoughts raced, Sweet Vivec... How could this be? There was so many people! the attacker was skilled, did we have any evidence? Why Nevana? Why such a kind women?... Hlaalu... No... Isaacs thoughts halted, and his eyes focused on Nevanas corpse with more intensity every second...

:: When the servant came to wake Harver up Harver had beaten her to the punch. He was standing and peering out the small window out at the scenery. When the servant beconed him, Harver turned to see the servant had tear stains across her face. The woman asked Harver to come out to the halls main foyer. The woman choked on her words as she spoke; taking much time to push each word past the lump in her throat. ::

:: Out in the hall, the commanding step of heavy footsteps echoed through the halls. This and the dim light only magnified the feeling of grief in the stirring air. He was following Vallrey and all the people he sat with the night before. Each one had a distinct and unique look of concern painted across their faces. Haver massaged the back of his hands, a nervous habit developed when he was young. He brushed the fine brown hairs aross the backs of each one.

::Vallrey spoke up, asking in a concerned tone what all the ruckus was about. Harver only kept his mouth shut, his feet moving, and his ears listening for Tylen's response.::

All the guests were assembled in the living room, anxious to hear about why they had just been awoken (OOC: this is including Crim).

"There has been an assassination," said Tylen to the party. "It was not just a trespasser because he didn't go after any valubles, he only went for Nevana, then escaped. I pursued him, and eventually caught up with him, and we fought. I wasn't used to fighting unarmored, so he eventually knocked me unconcious. About 10 minutes ago I woke up, and I remembered that I had cut a sack off of the assassin during the fight. In this sack I found something: a letter. This assassin apparently belongs to one of the Houses of Morrowind. No, it isn't one of the three Great Houses, it is one of the Houses that has since lost power. This assassin came from House Indoril. I know it is Indoril because the letter is signed by their Grandmaster himself, the only councilor that was alive during the Imperial invasion. The rest killed themselves as they would rather die than be ruled by the Imperium. The letter is addressed to one Drathyn Fals, and tells him exactly how to infiltrate our manor and find Nevana. The main body of the letter is the most shocking part."

Tylen took a brief pause to look at the guest's mixed reactions of astonishment, anxiety and interest.

"The letter describes a series of deadly agendas against House Hlaalu. There are five attacks in total, all involving killing, sabotaging, raiding and espionage. Let me read to you what is planned."

#1. 19th Second Seed - Assassination of Nevana Ules, Hlaalu councilor. #2. 21st Second Seed - Attack on a Hlaalu shipment of gold, liquid funds, and valuable items that have historical significance to House Hlaalu, which were to be transferred to the Hlaalu vault in Vivec. Attack will take place off the coast near Hla Oad. #3. 22nd Second Seed - Poisoning the drinks at a Hlaalu-held feast in the Hlaalu canton of Vivec. #4. 24th Second Seed - Desctruction of Hlaalu Ancestral Tomb. #5. 27th Second Seed - Assassination of Almse Arenim, Hlaalu House Oathman and overseer of Hlaalu town Gnaar Mok, along with anyone else in the house, and burning down Aremin Manor.

"The letter also mentions several times a collection of writings that could bring about the fall of House Hlaalu. I have no idea what they're talking about. As far as I know, we are the only ones who know about this who are not in House Indoril. We have no time to run about and try to tell all of the councilors and House members. These events are all happening too soon. As a devout member to House Hlaalu, I wish with all my heart to stop these agendas. But I can't do it alone, so I ask for your help. If you join me and if we succeed in halting House Indoril, Hlaalu will give you all very generous rewards."

Tylen waited for responses.

Isaac had continued thinking about what he was before, even when Tylen had started the explination. He came to when Tylen began to read the letter
***
Upon hearing Tylen's request, Isaac knew what he had to do....
He had to put off his exploration and research of the ancestral tomb untill further notice. Although he was heavily dissapointed, he knew this was on more importance. Isaac's jaw began to move as the cranks in his head turned...

"We need a plan, and it has to be good. todays the 20th? That gives us one day to stop that attack on Hlaluu goods off the coast... however..." he said in realization.
"If we stop that shipwreck, they might know that they've been discovered, and if they know that, we might not be able to catch them in the act of something important..." He breathed. "What I'm saying is, if we stop them from attacking the ship, they might change their plans to attack the other councilers or poison the food. Unless... we had some people dress up as extra guards on the boat. Then we might have a better chance of pulling it off without being discovered." Isaac realized he was begining to talk to himself rather than others in the room.

"I have to say though, what kind Guar dung heads do you think set this attack up? I mean, who would ACTUALLY send an assassin on a mission with their plans attached to him? That seems very folly to me. Tylen, are you sure this paper isnt just a plant?" Isaac waited after saying his mind.

"Hmm..." said Tylen. "Well, the letter was just with the rest of his belongings. And he was very skilled, so whoever wanted him to have probably trusted him to protect it well. He was simply caught up in the rush of the fight and flee, and it is easy to see how it slipped his mind that my stray attack struck his pouch."

"And yes, I see how the Hlaalu might know someone is on to them if we stopped the attack. But you must keep in mind that Indoril communication is only as fast as its runners and messengers. The Indoril are few in nember compared to the Three Great Houses, and they aren't mages. Plus, I've studied a little about politics, and the Indoril are too zealous and determined to let a small party thwart such a seemingly huge plan."

OT: Sorry for the delay. I had some schedule problems and my PC is acting up at the moment. I PROMISE to do better with this.
Harver, i couldnt read your pm for some reason... if there was anything in it besides just 'please post' then send it to my email... at least THAT is still working... *knocks on wood*

Wren shakes her head at the violence that was commited here tonight, and silently swears to avenge her kind host. She silently wonders where this last councilor of House Indoril is residing...

"Do we know anything at all about the assassin's origins? Could he have been hired by Indoril, or does he actually belong to the house?"

:: Harver sat quitely in the background. He waited for some sort of consesus from the group. A reward was involved. Harver should consider this but he is also not inclined to risk his neck. Of course, he was also taught better than to let people get away with crimes like these. If they genuinely wanted him, Harver would come. He did not say anything, only waited and listened.::

"He undoubtedly belonged to House Indoril," answered Tylen. "It was signed by the Grandmaster himself."

OOC: Plus, according to the actual plot, he's a member.

"Well if it wasn't a plant, then these plans must be true. We need to act, and we need to act fast. If we dont, more lives could be lost to this cause." Isaac was determined now. I'f somethings going to be interupting my studies, its gonna be worth my time. he thought.
"Deliberatly interupting their attack on that ship would tell them that we know about their plans, so we need to be more subtle on our interuption. We could..." He paused to think. "Get a boat, have some people dress up like guards to put on it, and protect that boat. Hopefully, it will intimidate them enough so they dont attack, and if they do, we act as a routine patrol boat in the right place at the right time. If we do hold them off, we'll have more time to plan more corruptions for their plans. What do you think?"

"I agree with Isaac on this" Daric stated. He hadn't even said we was going to support it yet, it was almost assumed in his mind. He had lost his master, so to speak... He had to do something. "If we do a straight out attack, they will know. We need to find a way to stop it, without them knowing we know. Isaac's idea is a good one... Does anyone have another one? Any idea would be good." Daric had started pacing across the room... His eyes glanced over at the body, he quickly looked away and continued pacing...
"Can we stop the boat from docking? Or maybe even stop it from leaving the port?"

"The boat is coming from the mainland, according to this letter," Tylen said, reading the letter some more. "If we were to get on the boat, then why would we disguise ourselves? I am a Kinsman of House Hlaalu, so if we needed to get on the boat, we could, if I told them it was okay. If we were to be on the boat to help protect it, the Indoril would probably just think us as commoners who are paying a fee to get to Vvardenfell or something like that. I don't think they would ever think that someone was on to them."

"Also keep in mind that this shipment will be heavily guarded, whether they know of an attack or not. The Indoril will not be raiding with a small force, they will be attacking with a platoon (about 20-25 men)."

"And to your question Daric, the bost will have definitely left the port by now, and is probably in the middle of the Inner Sea right now. We can't stop from leaving the port. And stopping it from docking wouldn't really work either, since the details in this letter state that the attack will be held 'off the coast of Hla Oad,' which means in the water."

"The best plan I see is to get canoes or rowboats, and try to intercept the boat before it gets to Vvardenfell..." Tylen thought for a moment. "...And tell them to change course so that they dodge the Indoril completely! Of course, if we were to take this course of action, we would have to leave right now, and run like there's no tomorrow."

"Maybe we could take a boat from Suran, and pay him some extra money to veer off his normal travel route so we could get to the Hlaalu shipment boat?"

"Aye." Isaac said in agreement with Tylens plan. "A good amount of gold would convince the most complex person. If the plan is to get on that boat before it gets raided we have to move now. We're going to need all the help we can get. anyone that can cast a spell or weild a weapon should come." Isaac then moved towards his room. "I'm getting my things, well at least what I can carry easily."

"Well, do we know where House Indoril is based? *Angrily, voice is strained* And do we know who the grandmaster is? One way or another, either to stop this from ever happening again, or in retribution for the act of murder, he wont live much longer..." *Idly fingers her weapon*

"Wren," he said to the Nord woman. "If we were to go to the mainland where Indoril is based, that would mean leaving possibly hundreds of unknowing Hlaalu and even innocent people to their deaths. We must stop the attacks first."

Wren nodded in agreement.

"Good. If any of you do not wish to come I will respect your decision. Keep in mind the great reward that could come from the grateful House Hlaalu if we can halt these attacks. Whoever's with us, say so, and go equip yourselves for fast travel and fighting."

"Who will join us?" Tylen asked the group before him.

Isaac returned from his room, except now he was bearing his staff and wearing a robe torn at the bottom. In the rips, his glass boots were showing and bumps pertruding from his chest signified that he was wearing his glass armour. He had three satchels hanging from his waist, one containing various potions, another containing gold, and the last one was empty. Isaac said, "Daric, if it pleases you, I'd like my journal back now." He gave a slight smile and waited. "Well whats everyone standing around for? Are you coming or not?"

OOC: 200th post...awww right...

Vallréy thought for a moment, his thirst for some adventure was stronger than his need to stay out of trouble. Realising he was only wearing his clothes, he thought a bit more about it, trouble is trouble and many times, trouble is dangerous. Hlaalu had always been the House he liked most.. well, he didn't like any of the Houses, but Hlaalu was the best of the worst.

"Give me a minute and I'll join you to save this boat", he said and rushed of to put on his armor and grab his weapons. Returning with his broken armor and weaponsunder his cape, trying to keep his legs hidden underneath the glass shards, he joined the others with a small grin.

Wren looks at Tylen, and says "I will come. Something must be done to stop these assassinations, and we are the only ones who can." *glances around the room* "I hope the rest can say the same thing."

Off Topic: Sorry about that... I've never played any of the other TES games so i dont know much about the mainland... sorry for the mixup... seriously, though, assuming im alive (along with the indoril grandmaster) when the whole thing is over (and havent been booted from the RP) as part of the reward, send me to the mainland. As i said: Something must be done. It just cant be done now. (this wouldnt be in the RP, just a bit of flavor to my character.)