The Adventure nr.1

[Jaraxle]

Jaraxle studied the ground.
"It definately was not flying. And it was upon the ground. It seems to me like either the work of a giant Drow of my training. But, I believe a magical dweomer covered this beast, and that it is not as big as it seems."

[Shadow]

"Maybe. Maybe not." said Shadow. "We should get going before who ever did this returns. Let's head on for Odai Plateau. If we hurry, we'll reach my homeland before nightfall."

***

After a hard but eventless journey they arrived at the shores of the Odai River. The sun was slowly setting into the west and it was getting dark. The stronghold was a small complex of two small houses, a manor house and a defense tower surrounded by a wall. An armoured figure waited for them at the gate. It was obvious that he was a House Guard, for he wore Bonemold Armor and a dreadful mace was hanging on his belt. "Suilad, Councellor," said the guard. "You arrive late."
"Indeed," answered Shadow. "And I am in a hurry. Please tell Guakhim to organize housing for these companions of mine. They can be trusted. And do make haste, Beryll."
He nodded to Cara and Jaraxle as they stepped into the inner yard. "Make yourselves at home and rest well. This stronghold is safe. We shall leave tomorrow morning. Do you have any questions?"

[Mannath]

"Only one, if I may, Shadow," said Cara. "We must get Corkeya back! If we leave tomorrow, please, promise me we'll going to find her."

[Shadow]

Shadow sighed. "Cara," he said. "We have little hope finding her in the wilderness. Besides, Guars don't just disappear, they're too big for it. I'm afraid she was eaten... But we will try our best and look for your pet."

He headed for the manor, calling the others with him.

[Mannath]

Cara went up to her room and layed on the bed. She looked straight up to the starry night.

„Shadow doesn’t understand! I have to find Corkeya! She’s one of my family! Shadow doesn’t probably have a good family... that’s why he cannot understand this. But I worry about Corkeya! But anyway, Shadow is a loyal person. I don’t think he would leave Corkeya this way, maybe he was just a little tired. Yea, it’s better when I go to sleep now, too.“ Cara closed her eyes and she was already asleep.

[Shadow]

Shadow sat down behind his working desk. The disappearance of the Guar troubled his mind. They had an enemy, and a powerful one indeed.
He lit a candle and took out a sheet of paper. He wrote:
"To Cyrufiel, Fanedhel or Falasa, wich ever is present.
I have met someone who wishes harm to me. I am on a trip to some Burial Cavern in North-Eastern Ashlands. Send me some men as soon as you can, and preferrably come with them as well. This is dangerous. Might be Great House business. Take care,
Grandmaster.

OOC: Aramil, you may continue with your previous account's character.

[Aramil Nialo]

ooc: I was going to anyway.

Jarlaxle looked over Shadow's shoulder, reading the letter carefully.
"Why would you need men? I know the Ashlands pretty well, and I know the folk just as well. Is it that dangerous for you? I could just call my-uh...'friends' to help if you don't feel safe."

[Shadow]

Shadow jumped on his seat, hearing Jaraxle's voice behind him.
"It's not very nice to storm into someone's room without knocking," he said angrily. "You are good though. You would make a good Agent. You know now that I am the Grandmaster. I ask you that you keep it secret, even from Cara. And the answer to your question is: it is not Ashlanders that I fear, but the thing that ate the Guar. Indifferent from you, I have spent years in wilderness and I know a lot about Guars. They are strong and hasty. If something attacks them, they often kill it, or if it fails, then run quickly away. Corkeya didn't stand a chance, I'm afraid. We are up against something very powerful. I don't know if even my men will defend us out there..."

[Aramil Nialo]

"I didn't storm in, just the lock wasn't exactly complicated," Jarlaxle said. "But I understand your worry. This beast is strange to me, I've never seen anything like it. But, if it makes you feel better, I can call my mne here within the hour. All are quite trained and skilled."

[Shadow]

Shadow looked at him silently for a moment. He was thinking.
"I am not asking who are these your men," he answered slowly. "But do call them. The more the better."

When Jaraxle had gone and shut the door, Shadow rose from his armchair and took a cup of Flin.
"What a man has the House lost," he mumbled...

[Aramil Nialo]

Jarlaxe walked quietly to a balcony overlooking the grassy field around the building. Rummaging through a pocket, he pulled forth a whistle and put it to his lips. WHen he blew, no sound came, but a silent magical call did escape forth. Putting the whistle away, Jarlaxle leaned out, a smile on his face. Within a few minutes, scores of cloaked and hooded figures walked between the tree to stand on the field, awaiting their orders. Jarlaxle chuckled a little, then leaped down from the balcony, using a slowfall charm in the process. He landed without a sound and walked up to the hooded man in front. He was short and wiry and two kukris were in his hands.
"We have work to do, Valas," Jarlaxle said. "Prepare the men."

[Mannath]

When Cara woke up and rose from her bed, the sun was just rising from the sky. Cara looked out. "mm. I'm late today," she said sleepily. "Jaraxle and Shadow are probably already awake. I must go hurry!" She run quickly out of her room and went downstairs. When she opened the door she saw a hord of men standing there and Shadow and Jaraxle talked something with each other. "Oh my god..." mumbled Cara.

[Shadow]

Shadow’s voice was clearly angry.
„Before you bring men into my manor, you ASK ME,“ he said and gave Jaraxle a stern look. „What if the Guards would have thought this a hostile army? We would have had a massacre! I can’t believe I’m going on an adventure with someone like you. You may have talent and skills, but that’s no excuse. I want these warriors out of my dining room immediately!“

[Aramil Nialo]

"Is that where we are?" Jarlaxle asked, a smile on his face. "I thought it was the Entrance Hall." Turning to his men, Jarlaxle shouted orders in a foriegn language, and they all left. "Besides," Jarlaxle added, turning back to Shadow. "they have to eat somewhere. And don't worry about your men. I already informed them. In fact, I belive Valas is with them."

[Shadow]

"Actually this is the Great Hall, also used for common dining," said Shadow. "But that's not the point. I don't like your arrogant style. You think you can give orders to my men? Who is this Valas anyway? Why do you think my Agents will listen to him? Don't forget who's the Grandmaster here!"
The Dunmer was now really angry. His eyes turned slightly red and he crossed his hands on his chest. It seemed as he had suddenly grown taller...