They both showed their bracelets, and Sara inspected her own some more. It was secured tightly, but it didn't seem to cut off her blood flow, thankfully. It was more like it was glued to her skin. She turned around and leaned against the bars of her cell, before sliding down them until she sat on the ground with her knees up. While the man in the coat got angrier, She had her eyes down on her bracelet confirming what the others explained. It wouldn't come off, it wouldn't even slide one way or the other. Yup, Glued to her wrist.
At least the colour suits my damn uniform, She thought sarcastically, I wonder why their bracelets have different colours?
Still looking down at her bracelet, Sara spoke up to the others in their cells. "If we can get out of this place, we should help each other out." She recommended. Her eyes glanced up sideways to see them again, "What are your names? You can call me Sara." Sara pointed her thumb behind her toward's the mercenary's cell, "Chuckles back there uses a gunblade, but his name is... Tyme, I think? Yeah, that's right. He was in the room too, we were nearby each other. We, uh..." Sara took a breath, "... there was a kid next to us. A little girl, she didn't make it. I think it's hit him hard. Just leave him be, trenchcoat." Sara's tone wasn't exactly cheery, but it was part of her job to stay strong in tragic situations.
Muttonhawk Member
Let Slip the Corgis of War
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Dear Mr Curly,
I have done little travelling lately because I have been so dreadfully weary. Can it be true as the old Ecclesiastes said; that all things lead to weariness? Surely not. Perhaps the opposite is true: that all nothings lead to weariness. I have a peculiar feeling, Curly, that I am worn out from something I haven't yet done and the more I don't do it, the more exhausted I become. How strange. Could it be something I haven't realised? Perhaps it's something I haven't said? Something I haven't finished! It must be very large and true whatever it is and a lively struggle in the doing but I look forward to it immensely. I know I need it. First, however, I must curl up in my chair and sleep deeply with the duck. Perhaps I'll dream of this thing and wake up refreshed and do it. My fond wishes to you Mr. Curly, and to all Curly Flat.
Yours sleepily,
Vasco Pyjama
xxx
P.S. Not having breakfast can make you weary. That's for sure!
Most Recent Posts
"Earondil? Hm, I don't know about that, he's such a quiet person," Ariel said, amused at Ahnasha's answer, "As far as the work, it can sometimes feel repetitive, but I enjoy alchemy enough that I don't really get sick of it. And occasionally a new mystery or challenge comes up to be solved." After Lorag and Meesei's answers, Ariel turned to Janius. "How about you?"
"Two years," Janius said, holding up two fingers on one hand above the water, "The circumstances are a long story, but it turned out that Hircine decided to save my life. In return, I had to join the pack. That's just the perspective I have now, though. My previous family were uncaring fools who were surrounded by the scum of the earth. Here," Janius raised both his palms above the water, "The pack cares. And I care in return."
"And Fendros?" Ariel asked.
"Fendros, only about a month. He's adapted well enough though. A similar story to Lorag's if I remember correctly. In terms of being infected, that is." Janius explained, "And of course you know about Sabine. She was probably turned at the youngest age."
"Hmm," Ariel thought for another moment, "So you all had your own childhoods. A very diverse pack." With her mind being brought back to Sabine, Ariel thought of another issue, one that caused her to bite her lower lip before asking about it. "It seems like you were all adults when you were turned, but Sabine was a child. She still is a child. She'll become a woman in a few years, but I wonder, does she get to interact with many people who are near her age? The hagravens tend to recruit girls in groups, so there were children around even when I was growing up. Here is different."
"Two years," Janius said, holding up two fingers on one hand above the water, "The circumstances are a long story, but it turned out that Hircine decided to save my life. In return, I had to join the pack. That's just the perspective I have now, though. My previous family were uncaring fools who were surrounded by the scum of the earth. Here," Janius raised both his palms above the water, "The pack cares. And I care in return."
"And Fendros?" Ariel asked.
"Fendros, only about a month. He's adapted well enough though. A similar story to Lorag's if I remember correctly. In terms of being infected, that is." Janius explained, "And of course you know about Sabine. She was probably turned at the youngest age."
"Hmm," Ariel thought for another moment, "So you all had your own childhoods. A very diverse pack." With her mind being brought back to Sabine, Ariel thought of another issue, one that caused her to bite her lower lip before asking about it. "It seems like you were all adults when you were turned, but Sabine was a child. She still is a child. She'll become a woman in a few years, but I wonder, does she get to interact with many people who are near her age? The hagravens tend to recruit girls in groups, so there were children around even when I was growing up. Here is different."
Righteo, g'night.
I may not be quite as active this weekend, it's looking busy. I'll probably still be able to get a few responses in though.
I may not be quite as active this weekend, it's looking busy. I'll probably still be able to get a few responses in though.
"No, no males. The hagravens would probably give some kind of cryptic, or incomplete answer to why only girls are chosen." Ariel explained, "I think it's mostly tradition, but there has to be some reason why hagravens never smell potential in males. I've thought about it before, and the best reason I can think of is that when the witches covens were first formed, the society of High Rock was very fractured, the various people had male-dominated family lines. If the spiritual leaders required students, the people were less likely to object to them taking a daughter than a son." Ariel shook her head, "That doesn't much explain it up to today, but the hagravens have their reasons." She formed a sly smile, "Most witches just think that women are better at it."
Ariel rubbed at her arms while she recalled the past some more. "As for growing up in the coven, it was normal at the time. We occasionally had male guests, so it's not like I didn't know what they were, but they never stayed for longer than a chat. As I grew up into adolescence, there was something of a mix of curiosity and fear whenever I had to deal with men, but mostly they were at the coven for specific purposes, so they didn't seem so different. You know, apart from being suspicious of everything." Ariel paused for a moment, thinking of the first time she was tasked to run the shop, "By the time I moved into Vos, I was old enough that most of my fears and insecurities were diminished. Men were just people like any other. I got to know a few male friends as I integrated. I even got feelings for one of them, but that didn't work out." Ariel had a smile as she was reflecting, but the realisation that she was delving into personal information caused her to look either side and blush a little. "But, that's nothing interesting. Mostly, it was the self sufficiency that I had to get used to. We took care of each other in the coven, so everything felt very busy for a while as I took care of myself."
Ariel directed her attention back to the remaining pack in the pool. "How about all of you? Did you grow up as lycans, or were you adults when you were turned?"
Ariel rubbed at her arms while she recalled the past some more. "As for growing up in the coven, it was normal at the time. We occasionally had male guests, so it's not like I didn't know what they were, but they never stayed for longer than a chat. As I grew up into adolescence, there was something of a mix of curiosity and fear whenever I had to deal with men, but mostly they were at the coven for specific purposes, so they didn't seem so different. You know, apart from being suspicious of everything." Ariel paused for a moment, thinking of the first time she was tasked to run the shop, "By the time I moved into Vos, I was old enough that most of my fears and insecurities were diminished. Men were just people like any other. I got to know a few male friends as I integrated. I even got feelings for one of them, but that didn't work out." Ariel had a smile as she was reflecting, but the realisation that she was delving into personal information caused her to look either side and blush a little. "But, that's nothing interesting. Mostly, it was the self sufficiency that I had to get used to. We took care of each other in the coven, so everything felt very busy for a while as I took care of myself."
Ariel directed her attention back to the remaining pack in the pool. "How about all of you? Did you grow up as lycans, or were you adults when you were turned?"
Smiling tightly and breathing in through her nose, Ariel considered how to respond. After a moment, Ariel exhaled through her lips, "That's a lot of information, uhm..." She paused and looked into the water. "Firstly, I should say that not all witch covens are the same, in fact ours is something of an oddity in this land. It's normally Breton girls that are chosen as children to join us, but with less Bretons in these parts, there are a greater proportion of other races in the coven than usual, especially Dunmer. The hagravens told me that they find prospective girls by 'smelling' their magical potential. It's likely more a metaphor for detecting them by other means, but perhaps it would still be the best description for it." Ariel stroked the side of her neck and hummed flatly, trying to remember more details. "From what I was told, the coven shifted to Morrowind after the Vigil of Stendarr killed a great number of them in their previous lair near Riften, in Skyrim. They were forced to flee, even though the coven was strictly impartial in their dealings with Daedra. Ironically, Morrowind was more accepting, especially since they were still rebuilding after invasion and disaster. That's not to say that the coven is entirely trusted, but through a number of deals with the local lord, their presence is tolerated."
Ariel rolled her shoulders, "As for the magic... esoteric is apt, it's not really taught like the guild or other colleges. Our secrets tend to be closely guarded, as they are easily abused to the user's detriment. It's a very old perspective, you see." She leaned her head forward and looked up at Ahnasha, "I will say that turning Reachmen into those abominations isn't something we really practice, so no heart replacements, I'm afraid." Ariel leaned back and looked up at the wall, "Our magic is a very intertwined one, associated with many higher beings, both named and unnamed. Altering reality through pacts and agreements, curses and blessings. Going into specifics would require at least a week of explanation to scratch the surface, even if I fully understood it myself. The only real notion of 'schools' of magic comes into destruction magic, which we learn for self-defense mostly. I suppose in a nutshell I can say that our most powerful magics are associated with promises that are bound to the world and to gods. Molag Bal and Hircine have had many dealings with witches before. This has allowed some to bring their... blessings, or curses upon certain people associated with the coven in question. There have been plenty of cases of local lords and such becoming vampires or lycans after slighting a coven. Witches are foremost in channeling Daedric power, and the power of other beings. Some covens pledge allegiance to a particular being, but most are more careful, like mine. It's the price for self-preservation. That's why I'm concerned about hearing that they would be doing such a service for Clavicus Vile. There has to be some curse or threat, or maybe some very tempting deal behind it. I suspect the former."
Ariel rolled her shoulders, "As for the magic... esoteric is apt, it's not really taught like the guild or other colleges. Our secrets tend to be closely guarded, as they are easily abused to the user's detriment. It's a very old perspective, you see." She leaned her head forward and looked up at Ahnasha, "I will say that turning Reachmen into those abominations isn't something we really practice, so no heart replacements, I'm afraid." Ariel leaned back and looked up at the wall, "Our magic is a very intertwined one, associated with many higher beings, both named and unnamed. Altering reality through pacts and agreements, curses and blessings. Going into specifics would require at least a week of explanation to scratch the surface, even if I fully understood it myself. The only real notion of 'schools' of magic comes into destruction magic, which we learn for self-defense mostly. I suppose in a nutshell I can say that our most powerful magics are associated with promises that are bound to the world and to gods. Molag Bal and Hircine have had many dealings with witches before. This has allowed some to bring their... blessings, or curses upon certain people associated with the coven in question. There have been plenty of cases of local lords and such becoming vampires or lycans after slighting a coven. Witches are foremost in channeling Daedric power, and the power of other beings. Some covens pledge allegiance to a particular being, but most are more careful, like mine. It's the price for self-preservation. That's why I'm concerned about hearing that they would be doing such a service for Clavicus Vile. There has to be some curse or threat, or maybe some very tempting deal behind it. I suspect the former."
Janius grinned widely at the corner Lorag had backed himself into. "You've got to put the mer in Orismer sometimes, Lorag," Janius said in a patronising tone, "This water'll bring out your elven beauty." Janius raised his hands out of the water, letting it trickle down his palms as he spoke.
"Meesei is right, actually." Ariel chimed in, a little less informed about Lorag's opinion of hedonism, "There are all sorts of salts and minerals in streams like this. Good for cosmetic purposes, but also for injuries, if you have them."
"See? even the alchemist approves," Janius laughed.
All the activity in the water was shifting Sabine where she was sitting. Without anyone noticing, she had stealthily been nodding off. Where her head had been slightly bowed before, it was now completely forward, but still just above the surface of the water. One ripple of the water rose and reached her nose at a time where she was coincidentally inhaling. Breathing in a few drops of water instantly awoke her and caused her to cough a number of times, spraying water in a small space in front of her. Blinking at everyone with bleary eyes, she sniffed and wiped her nose, before getting up and making her own way to bed.
After Sabine had stepped out of the pool, Ariel turned toward her with a warm smile. "Goodnight, Sabine." Sabine stopped in her tracks and looked back at everyone still in the pool. Her mouth twitched a smile for a fraction of a second, but she turned and continued to her bedroll without a word.
"Meesei is right, actually." Ariel chimed in, a little less informed about Lorag's opinion of hedonism, "There are all sorts of salts and minerals in streams like this. Good for cosmetic purposes, but also for injuries, if you have them."
"See? even the alchemist approves," Janius laughed.
All the activity in the water was shifting Sabine where she was sitting. Without anyone noticing, she had stealthily been nodding off. Where her head had been slightly bowed before, it was now completely forward, but still just above the surface of the water. One ripple of the water rose and reached her nose at a time where she was coincidentally inhaling. Breathing in a few drops of water instantly awoke her and caused her to cough a number of times, spraying water in a small space in front of her. Blinking at everyone with bleary eyes, she sniffed and wiped her nose, before getting up and making her own way to bed.
After Sabine had stepped out of the pool, Ariel turned toward her with a warm smile. "Goodnight, Sabine." Sabine stopped in her tracks and looked back at everyone still in the pool. Her mouth twitched a smile for a fraction of a second, but she turned and continued to her bedroll without a word.
"Okay," Ariel nodded. It was enough to satisfy her curiosity for the moment at least, though she had a feeling that seeing for herself would do the description justice. "It's just, with the medicines I produce, I sometimes work closely with the city healers in duties pertaining to midwifery. I haven't delivered children myself, rather I administer supplements to ward against diseases, and when necessary, anesthetics. Still, the process of pregnancy has become something of a passing interest." Ariel smiled, now more relaxed than before, "It's really no wonder why I haven't dealt with Argonian births before; your people don't much have to worry about infection or disease." Ariel chuckled quietly towards Meesei, "I daresay Ahnasha is correct, you have a much better system of producing children." Ariel leaned over an brushed Ahnasha on the shoulder with one hand, "At least as a lycan you won't have to worry about the diseases either."
"So, Lorag," Janius spoke away from the continuing conversation between the women, "Have you been pregnant recently?" Janius' tone evidenced that he was a little bored of the subject of children. He felt as if he needed to bring up belching, fighting, drinking, anything that seemed stereotypically masculine to balance the conversation. Having a jab at Lorag would be more fun for now though, and it might serve as a way to ask it he felt similar about the conversation as Janius did.
"So, Lorag," Janius spoke away from the continuing conversation between the women, "Have you been pregnant recently?" Janius' tone evidenced that he was a little bored of the subject of children. He felt as if he needed to bring up belching, fighting, drinking, anything that seemed stereotypically masculine to balance the conversation. Having a jab at Lorag would be more fun for now though, and it might serve as a way to ask it he felt similar about the conversation as Janius did.
Fendros pulled himself out of the water and smiled back at Ahnasha before he proceeded to his bedroll to lie down.
Rubbing her shoulder with one hand, Ariel's ears burned. She had taken a bit of a risk by asking such a question and now she felt rather guilty. Not letting the negative mood of the conversation keep him down for long, as per usual, Janius tried to keep the atmosphere buoyant. "We'll have to remember to get you gifts, alpha," he said, cocking a half smile.
The words snapped Ariel out of her somewhat mortified state. "Well, I was just curious about how the eggs are taken care of. Do you have to keep them at a temperature, or keep them away from noise? How does Argonian gestation work? It's very different from other races, and don't know any Argonians in Vos. I've always been curious about it." Ariel asked, looking at the water in front of her, "I... didn't mean to pry, I'm sorry."
Rubbing her shoulder with one hand, Ariel's ears burned. She had taken a bit of a risk by asking such a question and now she felt rather guilty. Not letting the negative mood of the conversation keep him down for long, as per usual, Janius tried to keep the atmosphere buoyant. "We'll have to remember to get you gifts, alpha," he said, cocking a half smile.
The words snapped Ariel out of her somewhat mortified state. "Well, I was just curious about how the eggs are taken care of. Do you have to keep them at a temperature, or keep them away from noise? How does Argonian gestation work? It's very different from other races, and don't know any Argonians in Vos. I've always been curious about it." Ariel asked, looking at the water in front of her, "I... didn't mean to pry, I'm sorry."
Right, image broken. Serves me right for trying to link the funnyjunk version. Those stingy twits.
No caption, but how about this?
No caption, but how about this?
Sara's head turned to the farmboy at his comment. It made enough sense. They wouldn't have bothered to lock them all up if all they wanted were their lives. The mercenary's rantings continued as Sara slowly turned her head back to him. As he continued, she brought her arms around her chest and settled them into a crossed position while she wore a cold scowl. She had seen plenty of people like this courtesy of the various poisons sold in the Gamma district. Part of the reason she preferred to work in those parts was to stop the people that sold them and prevent more instances of the man in front of her. She wouldn't have liked to admit that she flinched when the man burst out in anger at discovering that ring was stolen from him, or something. She wondered if the man used to be sane. What happened to him?
The man in the coat tried to get the mercenary to shut up, then explained his opinion. It caused Sara to sigh through her nose and start pacing around her cell for a time. Experimenting on us? Great, just great. Knowing that she probably wasn't going to get any useful information from the nut yelling in the other cell, Sara turned her attention to the other two. From what they had said, she concluded that they had all been in the room with the crystal as well. Sara started by walking to the edge of her cell closest to the farmboy. "You two," she addressed both the farmboy and the man in the coat, then took off the glove that covered her bracelet and held her wrist up, "Did you get bracelets as well?"
The man in the coat tried to get the mercenary to shut up, then explained his opinion. It caused Sara to sigh through her nose and start pacing around her cell for a time. Experimenting on us? Great, just great. Knowing that she probably wasn't going to get any useful information from the nut yelling in the other cell, Sara turned her attention to the other two. From what they had said, she concluded that they had all been in the room with the crystal as well. Sara started by walking to the edge of her cell closest to the farmboy. "You two," she addressed both the farmboy and the man in the coat, then took off the glove that covered her bracelet and held her wrist up, "Did you get bracelets as well?"
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