Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Tread Lightly (CLOSED Oblivion RP)

"Morrowind..." Dust murmured, a frown creasing her brow as she smoothed out the parchment and glanced over it again with a sigh and a weak smile. You seem the kind to appreciate these exchanges. He knew her well.

"Ah..." A sudden, strange feeling moved through her, a shudder down her spine and what felt like something like cold water sprayed against her leg. The poison took over before she could register pain - she managed only a sound of surprise and a flicker of alarm before exhaustion crept in and she collapsed, breathing growing shallow.

A shadow came over her, blurred, and a distant voice spoke. She blinked, unable to move, barely managing to speak before slipping away.

"That's... good...poison..."

She awoke with a jolt some time later, disoriented and sore. Where... She pursed her lips and tried to speak, letting out a soft croak. The cart jostled in movement. I'm... moving... Memory came back in a haze, along with a jolt of alertness and pang of pain in her leg.

"Bait..." He said 'bait.' She shuddered, eyes wide as she examined her surroundings. A cart, a rather comfortable one, at that, despite her soreness. Her hands were bound, the rope chafing into her skin. She began a string of venomous Daedric curses until her gaze peeked through the small curtain in front of her to the man on the horse ahead - Ath'vesu.

She narrowed her eyes, trying to speak loudly over the clop and clatter of the horse and cart. "You son of..." Stay calm. She drew in a breath through her teeth. She wanted to blast him off that horse, but with her hands bound, she couldn't cast any strong spells. Some weaker ones, perhaps, but they might only make him angry - and give him thought to gag her.

So I'll wait for the right moment.She steadied herself, setting her jaw and speaking coolly. "If you let me go now, we can forget this ever happened. No one will need to be hurt."

Dakari woke up for finding two big blue eyes looking at her. Her hand reached for her knife and the owner of the eyes let out a nervous giggle.

“Don’t worry, dear sister, it’s me!”

Dak narrowed her eyes. Yes, she knew this face. And this crazy smile.

“…what do you want, linnet?” she asked with a tilt of her head. “We’re not in the Sanctuary, what are you doing here?”
“I am not a bird!” complained Antoinetta Marie with a pout before smiling again. “Actually, I’m looking for Dust! We heard she was back in town but nobody has seen her! And since you’re back as well, I hoped you would know where she is.”

It made Dak vaguely arch an eyebrow.

“I know you’re not very…not really…Family-oriented,” continued Antoinetta, her smile fainting, “but I thought that maybe…”
“The tit has vanished?”
“Dusty isn’t a bird! I mean…you meant a bird, yeah?” giggled the blond woman. “But yes, she’s gone. I needed some of her J’adore for my next contract…what am I going to do now…”
“…have you heard of a Bosmer who recently arrived in town? Short auburn hair, green eyes, with a bow?” asked Dak with a slight tug in her stomach.
“I think Telaendril saw someone matching the description, yes. Why?”

Dakari sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Of course…

“…I need your help, linnet,” she said while getting up and gathering her things. She was already running out of time.
“My help?” repeated Antoinetta with a suspicious expression. “For what?”
“For saving our beloved sister, what else?”

(OOC: Sorry for the delay, it took me some time for figuring how to write that scene. I hope it's alright. If not, please tell me what to modify.)

Ath was lost in thought as he rode the horse, guiding it through the trails he wanted to take to reach morrowind. It was only because Dust spoke that he even registered she was awake right now. The bosmer turned his head to look at her with a angry, sad, sorrowed look for what he had to do.

"Im afraid........I can't do that."

The bosmer murmured then turned back to look at the road. She couldn't do anything with spells since her hands were bound and nothing she said would make him change his plans, not right now at least.

"I need you to find Astarill....he will come for you and then we can end this. You will not be.....hurt"

Ath hesitated slightly on the last word.

"Unless you try to escape then I will have to make it where you can't"

A threat that was meant to keep her from running of course. Ath did not have any plans to hurt the woman at all, she was a means to an end for him so her fate was up to her in the end. Ath looked back to her before he stopped the cart and got down. The bosmer pulled out a water skin and walked back.

"Here, have a drink. The poison can sometimes leave one thirsty."

He placed the tip of the skin at her mouth and if she did indeed take it he would lift it up so she could drink. Ath planned to take good care of her. When she was done drinking, or if she had not even accepted, Ath stepped back and placed the water skin back on the horse and got back up.

"When business is done, you will be set free to go back home."

His last words to her unless she wished to further converse on the long trip there. Who knows maybe talking would have some effect? Doubtful but one never knew.

(OOC: That's great, Mer! I have no complaints. I like Dak calling Antoinetta a 'linnet' and their interaction! And Wolf, I like how solemn poor Ath is, and that he thought to offer water. Lemme know if anything needs changing in my post!)

Dust bit her twisted lip at the Bosmer's explanation, caught between a scowl and a look of pity. "But I don't know where he is - Morrowind is huge, he could be anywhere - "

His continuing words silenced her. Unless you try to escape… She shuddered, moving uncomfortably on her sore hands, trying to take deep breaths that made her dry throat ache.

Ath'vesu stopped the cart and approached - Dust pushed herself back slightly, although it wasn't as though she had far to go. He approached with a water skin - at his words Dust growled and turned her head. "I'm not thirsty."

No, she wasn't thirsty - she was parched. But he'd used poison on her once - why not again? Something to loosen her lips, to get information from her? Even if she didn't know Astarill's whereabouts, she didn't want to give him any other information. And that poison he'd used in the first place had been quite potent and well-made, she had to confess. It was only when he spoke she was torn from her thoughts again.

When business is done. When someone lies dead, she thought with a wince. What if - no, she couldn't think that. Astarill would be fine. She just had to do what she could to get away.

Dust pursed her lips before croaking. "…That poison you used was well-made. Did you make it?"

If it is, he's an alchemist and I have no chance of poisoning him, even if I did have a poison. And I know not to touch anything he offers. Dust grit her teeth at a rumble in her belly that only worsened her dry throat and aching head.

Dak kneeled and examined a wheel’s trace.

“…they have passed here,” she said while getting up and walking on.
“How do you know that?” chirped Antoinetta Marie. “How can you be sure it’s them?”
“…no other cart has been here recently,” answered Dakari with a shrug. “And the caravans crossing the Valus Mountains use guars, not horses.”
“Why?”
“…because guars are less unlikely to break their paws on the journey. The sector is rugged with a very snowy and cold weather and a very poor visibility. It’s too dangerous for horses. No mention they’re heading to Morrowind, where horse meat is a delicacy.”
“Oh really?” asked a really sad Antoinetta.
“…it is known.”
“Creepy.”
“…whatever. Only an idiot or a man in the hurry would use a cart with a horse here, and that Bosmer is both. They’re not far ahead and they’ll go slower while approaching the top. They should be easy to catch up with.”
“Then we’ll bring Dusty back!”
“…we?” Dakari scoffed. “There is no “we”, linnet.”

Antoinetta threw her the sad and unbelieving look of a very hurt puppy, but Dak didn’t care. Bringing Antoinetta with her was one of the worst ideas ever. The blond girl was…special. First, her devotion to Sithis was only shadowed by the one she felt for Lachance. And she was dangerous. Always smiling and innocent-looking, until she got one of her “moments”.

“But I want to come,” protested the Breton girl. “Dusty needs our help!”
“…and Ocheeva will need you at the Sanctuary. Same for Valtieri.”
“Don’t be silly,” giggled Antoinetta, “the old bat barely prevents himself to cry his joy around when I’m away from the kitchen.”
“…too bad for Valtieri’s manifestations of joy then,” snorted Dak. “Return to Cheydinhal and wait there.”
“You’re not funny,” complained the Breton.
“…no,” simply said Dak, “I am not.”

And she walked on without looking back.

(OOC: I can't speak for everyone, but I don't think that would work at this point. It's been a LONG time and after so many people left the few of us still playing had to change things pretty drastically, and I can't see a logical way you could rejoin this late. Sorry! Also, sorry for the late reply, for some reason I didn't receive an alert that this thread was posted in.)

Ath scowled and turned eyes upon her for a bit.

"He will find you don't worry, we have nothing but time on our hands if that is what it takes."

Ath would go till the world ended if he had to, and it was unlikely he would change his mind anytime soon in hunting Astarill. A shake of head though was given at her words on the drink as they started back up again. It was her choice but sooner or later she would ask for it again.

He had been riding silently, following the trail as the sun set into the horizon when she asked her question. Ath did not respond at first as if he had not heard her. After a bit though he would speak.

"Yes." Short answer that be considering.

A soft sigh came from the lips of Ath as he ran a hand up through his tussled hair. He looked tired but he was pushing on. He guided the horses until they came to a good spot to make camp, as he wasn't going to risk the horses at night, not with his plans right now.

((Dunno how you would rejoin ether))

(OOC: No problem! C:)

Dust pursed her dry lips as Ath'vesu's gaze lingered on her for a moment, as he spoke. Would he find them? She murmured, more to herself than him. "...And what if he doesn't..."

I can take care of myself, Dust told herself firmly, although she wasn't entirely convinced by her own thoughts. She scowled before resting her head on her knees, trying not to think of the water that had been offered and the lurches and bumps of the road that made her empty stomach roll. And I resent being bait. She only glanced up when he responded to her earlier question, and only to scowl at the back of his head at the news. So he is an alchemist, then. Her expression softened and she felt a flicker of pity as the Bosmer gave an exhausted sigh, but suppressed it. They soon made camp, a flickering fire casting eerie shadows and soft, almost comforting light around them, ash drifting into the sky. She closed her eyes as the wind blew smoke towards her, giving a hoarse cough.

I need to get away from him. She glanced sideways at him, shifting the ropes binding her hands ever so slightly. He has to sleep, sometime...

The hunt was long, slow and not really exciting. But Dak walked on without a break, following the track of the cart. It disappeared from time to time, but it really didn’t bother her. They’re heading to Morrowind, she thought. To the east. I’ll eventually catch up with them no matter the road I’m taking.

The weather grew colder with the end of the day. Dak allowed herself to take a break and had a bit of dry meat. It was no use to travel during the night, except maybe if the moonlights were strong enough. Unless she suddenly found a clue that made the risk worth the gain, she was not going to fall in a fissure and break her neck for the fun of it.

A column of smoke rising out of the distance made her tilt her head. Could it be…?

“…so he’s not afraid of being tracked down, eh?” she softly said as she got up and took her bow. It would be risky, but it was a golden occasion after all. And the tit will be in my debt. I suppose…I suppose I could use that, Dak thought as she resumed walking in direction of the smoke.

Ath moved about the camp then tended to the fire and started to cook some rabbit that had been caught while Dust had been passed out in the cart. The scent of the food definitely was mouth watering if you hadn't eaten yet, or loved rabbit. If he was worried about being tracked, he didn't show it though his bow was near. Eyes flicked over at Dust, walked over and would hoist her into a sitting position.

After that Ath moved back to the rabbit and pulled out a elven dagger then began to cut pieces of meat off it into a piece of cloth. He walked back over to her.

"Open your mouth."

Ath commanded since he didn't trust her with her hands in front of her, or unbound just yet. If she complied he would feed her since she couldn't herself.

Dust narrowed her eyes as she gazed at the fire, sinking deep into thought, almost lulled into security by the familiar smell of fire, of hearth. If I can run while he sleeps - how would I get out of these damn ropes? She gingerly tested them, flexing her wrists behind her back, wincing as the ropes pressed back tight. If I get lost here in the mountains at night, I'll be frozen wolf-food. She pursed her lips as the succulent smell of the roasting hare wafted, a painful grumble in her belly resounding.

Suddenly she was hoisted up, sitting properly with Ath'vesu's sharp gaze fixed on her. She barely kept from wincing and instead directed her energy to glaring, until the savory smell caught her attention again. Her nose twitched and her gaze slowly drifted down to the hare, another resounding rumble in her stomach making her grit her teeth. She only glanced up again as he spoke.

Open? Why - her frown slowly became a snarl as it dawned what he meant. He wants to feed me! Like a child! "I am not going to let you spoon-fed me," she snapped, though the smell was sorely tempting. It was almost painful - she wouldn't keep her energy if she didn't eat and drink soon. But to give in...

It felt strangely familiar. Memory came - I have no intention of bottlefeeding you. Lucien's dark, silky, sardonic tone echoed in mind. She growled and resigned herself to biting her lip, eyes focused forlornly at the meat as though she might absorb it through her gaze if she stared hard enough.

I'm really sick of being take hostage.

The ground was quite uneven and Dak almost fell three times in ten minutes. It didn’t help her mood to rise and she swore to herself that they would all pay: the Breton girl, the foolish Bosmer and that arrogant Altmer. Her revenge would be terrible…

She bite the inside of her cheek harshly for preventing herself to yawn, hoping she wouldn’t have to use her bow. She was good at shooting things, but not when she was half-asleep. They’re going to pay, she repeated to herself. They’re so going to pay…

(OOC: I'm sorry for the delay. I just have other things on my minds these days. )

Ath scowled slightly at the way Dust was acting when the food was offered.

"Eat, you will need the strength it provides, and your hands are not going to be untied any time soon."

Ath would try this again, offering her a morsel of the food and if she took it, he would feed her that way. If she didn't take the food then well he would scowl again and move away. No matter the course he would slip back to his original seat and began to eat his own food now. Eyes remained downcast for the process though he did speak.

"It has to be this way. You know this."

Ath stated plainly, though what had to be this way was up for debate. Was it the entire situation? Was it the tied up held hostage part, the part going after Astarill? Who really knew with the bosmer in his current mental condition.

Dust scowled as the Bosmer urged her to eat again - but then, he did have a point, as much as she hated to admit it. And it would be easier to think of an escape plan without hunger pangs distracting her. After a moment's hesitation, she reluctantly opened her mouth. She usually preferred fowl to hare, but the taste was mouthwatering to her starved body. After a few bites she bit her lip, reluctantly requesting water.

"It has to be this way. You know this."

"…Has to be this way?" Dust stared incredulously at Ath'vesu. "Guar shit! What the hell is preventing you from untying me? Revenge?" She simpered the word before lowering her voice to a hiss. "Pointless. Believe me, I know. It won't make your pain any less. It won't bring your friend back."

She sat back, glowering, awaiting his response.

As she approached the camp carefully, Dak stopped, knelt and takes an arrow from her quiver. She put it on the ground, took a little vial from her belt and poured its content on the arrowhead. She didn’t really know who she would find – if she was lucky, it would be the girl and the Bosmer – but she had decided to play safe.
She head on, sneaking, for examining the place before coming closer of the camp.

Ath got the water skin and placed the tip to her lips then lifted it up for her to drink. He went slowly so she wouldn't choke upon the water. When she had her fill he would set the water skin down and nodded his head slowly.

"Yes it has to be this way."

The bosmer repeated what he had said. For him, this was the only way he saw right now. Her words half fell on deaf ears, half fell on listening ears. A haggard laugh escaped from the wood elf and he would look at her with tired, pain and hate filled eyes.

"I already know he wont come back, but it will put things at rest when the altmers cold dead corpse is laying at my feet, my knife plunged into his heart."

Granted, a lot could happen between then and now but ultimately that is what he was thinking of what was going to happen. He then looked down into the fire, staring into it for a time.

"Who did you loose then?"

He had heard the part where she said she knew how it felt, thus he concluded she lost someone herself. Hey, at least he wasn't bent on hurting or killing her and just wanting to make conversation right? There were dozens of worse things he could be doing.

Dust eagerly drank the water, only forcing herself to slow down after a few desperate gulps. She pulled away when she had her fill, sated. Water dripped from her lips, down her chin - she scowled and tried to rub it away on her shoulder.

His first words only made her scoff, glaring at her lap. His second caused her to look up again, fear flickering across her features.

The altmers cold dead corpse… She shuddered, squeezing her eyes shut to push away the image. He can take care of himself. He'll be alright. He's handled worse. The thought brought little comfort.

"Who did you loose then?"

Dust looked up, blinking and repeating him. "Who?" She paused for a moment before giving a ragged bark of a laugh. "Honestly, sometimes it feels like I should go by who I haven't. My mother killed my father, at the bidding of my stepfather, when I was a child. And my mother died - not long ago." She saw no harm in telling him - perhaps it would appeal to whatever sense of empathy he had. Not so long ago. Near enough that it still hurt, her eyes stinging at the memory.

"I wanted so badly to kill him," she whispered, more to herself than the Bosmer. "My stepfather. To get some kind of revenge. I could have, too. But all that wishing and wanting and craving for revenge got me nowhere. Only further under the power of the Dark Brotherhood, and more and more alone."

She glanced up, biting her lip. "… Please, don't make me lose someone else I care about. Astarill is my friend. You know how much it hurts to lose someone you care about." She blinked away tears, bowing her head. "Would you inflict that on someone else?"

She could hear their voices, now. She had been right – she had finally caught up with the Bosmer and the Breton girl. They were apparently talking…about losing beloved ones. If the situation had been different, concluded Dak while bypassing the camp for getting the back of the Bosmer in her line of sight, the three of them could have formed a mourning club.

But things weren’t different. The Bosmer would likely die right here. And soon, the girl wouldn’t have to worry about being under the power of the Brotherhood, because there wouldn’t be a Brotherhood anymore.

Dak closed her eyes and whispered to herself a prayer to Kynareth and Arkay. She cocked her bow and closed one eye to aim, pointing at the back of the Bosmer. Then she released the arrow.

Will be posting some point this week, The past week I was in pulling med support for Kids AT and couldn't get on to post. I'm also gonna be gone July 7th to August 4th, I have Military Orders for 4 weeks of training. Sorry for the long time away.

Ath merely sat there looking into the fire for the time as he listened to what she had to say. Did he feel sorry for her? Yes, did he feel bad for what he was doing? Yes he did but he was still doing it. Did he want the altmer dead? Yes he did so very very much right now.

Her story though did not fall on deaf ears and maybe, sorta, slightly a small sliver of doubt may have started to worm its way into his thoughts. Ath silenced that train of thought though and he was about to speak as he went to lean over to stoke the fire when the sound of a bow was heard and he suddenly lurched forward with the impact of the arrow.

The only thing that saved him was his movement towards the fire so it hit his back shoulder instead of his back. A groan escaped from Ath and he crawled best he could towards his bow and arrows, though with the injury he didn't know if he could draw. He didn't know who was out there, bandits? Guards? Monsters? Likely one of the former or the later due to where they were and his not knowing Dak was following them.

Choices choices.......he was hurt, likely wouldn't be able to fight off anyone with anything but his dagger. Choices choices and he wasn't sure what to do. Fuck it he, pushed to his feet through a haze of pain and if Dust had not gotten up and ran off by then or done something else, he would move over towards her.

"up! up girl and lets go!" He hissed.

If she did that then he would get her on the horse that were unhitched from the cart and get up on it himself and quickly ride into the night. ((Hope that works! If it doesn't I will change it when possible!))